3 Steps to Decreasing the Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke for Seniors
Elder Care in University Park, TX – Try These Changes for Improving Heart Health and Lowering the Risk of an Emergency Situation
With so many different potential health problems that elderly individuals face, it may seem overwhelming at times to figure out what to do. Providing elder care is an incredibly important job and if you have no experience, if you are a family member, or are unsure whether you know the proper steps to take, the first thing is to consider talking to that elderly individual about professional home care for the elderly.
In the meantime, there are many things that people can do to help lower the risk of heart attack or even a stroke for elderly individuals. There are some aspects that cannot be controlled, but no matter what type of lifestyle the senior chose to live throughout his or her many years, there are three things anyone can do to help at least lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Getting more exercise.
People who are at an increased risk of heart attack or even stroke may assume that exercise is a bad thing. Most doctors will agree, though, that exercise is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It’s important for the elder care provider to make sure the patient checks with his or her primary care physician about what type of exercises are okay or which ones may be ideal before partaking in anything new.
Encouraging the elderly individual to get more exercise on a regular basis can help to strengthen the heart muscles, improve blood flow throughout the body, and that can have a significant positive impact on their overall health.
Quitting smoking.
Millions of people in the United States are currently smokers. It doesn’t matter whether the individual is 65, 75, or even older. If they still smoke, it dramatically increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
While quitting smoking is not going to eliminate the risk or bring it back to normal (what is considered average risk for most other seniors), it will reduce the risk at least to some degree. Every day without a cigarette is better than the last for the lungs and heart.
Changing their diet.
Eating junk food, drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming processed meals, and much more can all have the ability to clog arteries, weaken the body, and that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Professional home care for the elderly may also be able to bring new strategies to the elderly individual that can improve their overall health as well.
