Valentine’s Day isn’t the only event in February that focuses on the heart. In fact, the whole month has been designated as American Heart Month by the President, as it has been every year since Congress passed a Joint Resolution in 1963.
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the United States. American Heart Month is meant to bring attention to how we can all maintain a strong, healthy heart. A lot of research is going into understanding and curing heart disease, but for most of us, the path to a healthy heart is based on very common sense principles:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a huge problem in the US…no pun intended. The New York Times The New Old Age blog recently had an insightful post that looked at the other end of the spectrum: seniors losing muscle as they lose too much weight.
- Eat well: What you eat is as important as how much you eat. ElderCareABCBlog shares helpful hints on what foods to include in your diet.
- Exercise: Along with a proper diet, being active can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 25 percent. EverydayHealth.com has good info to help seniors create an exercise regimen.
- Don’t smoke: It’s not just bad for your heart. Add colon and breast cancer to the list of diseases linked to smoking and second-hand smoke. Healthline has excellent information to help you or your loved one quit the habit.
Through the end of February, in recognition of American Heart Month, LifeStation is giving new customers $2.00 off their monthly service when you use code HEART2011. (If you’re an existing LifeStation customer and you refer someone to LifeStation, make sure they mention your name so that you receive your LifeStation referral bonus.)
