Elder Care in Wallingford CT
Older adults are at risk for a variety of chronic health problems, including heart disease. Although your aging parent is at risk for this serious disease, there are things that can be done in order to reduce their chances of developing heart disease. It will just take a little determination, hard work, and smart lifestyle choices.
If your loved one lives by themselves, making these choices can be a difficult thing to do. It may be much easier to reach for a bag of chips instead of an apple. An elder care provider can help give the elder the motivation they need, while also assisting with any tasks that have become too burdensome for them to do.
How to Lower Risk of Heart Disease
- Quit smoking. Tobacco use can drastically increase the elder’s risk of heart disease. But by quitting, your loved one will have a greater chance of preventing this disease.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure. The senior should try to keep their blood pressure at a healthy level.
- Control cholesterol. Another condition that could cause the elder to develop heart disease is high cholesterol. Some people can manage this condition with healthy food and plenty of exercise, while others prefer to use medication.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. It is important that your loved one is eating healthy, well-balanced meals. Sodium should be limited from their diet and replaced with fresh herbs instead.
- Lower high blood sugar. Another dangerous factor that could add to your loved one’s increased risk of heart disease is high blood sugar. Artificial sugar should be avoided in order to help the elder maintain a healthy level.
- Quit smoking. Aside from the problems smoking can cause on the lungs of your elderly parent, tobacco use can also have a direct impact on the elder’s heart. Talk to their doctor about programs that will help them successful quit this unhealthy and dangerous habit.
- Shed the extra weight. If your loved one is overweight or obese, these extra pounds could be putting pressure on the heart. Thus, increasing their chances of developing heart disease. By eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and participating in a doctor-approved exercise program, the elder will be able to keep their weight at a normal range.
If the proper steps are not taken to help the elder manage their heart disease, it could prove to have fatal consequences. To ensure that your loved one is healthy for years to come, follow these seven heart-healthy tips.
Source:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Living-A-Heart-Healthy-Senior-Life_UCM_471885_Article.jsp#.WIK7F9Qg0vY
If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-home elder care in Wallingford, CT, please contact the caring staff at Franciscan Ever There Care. Call today 203-630-2881.
