Helpful Hints for a Healthy Heart
February is National Heart Month, a whole month dedicated to heart health awareness. Heart health is critical for all ages, especially those over the age of 50. Seniors should pay extra attention to maintaining cardiovascular fitness, following an age appropriate diet, and knowing the varioussymptoms for heart disease.
Kristen Jennings leads Seeland Park fitness class
Exercise – Daily exercise will help keep your heart healthy.The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day. Choose to participate in an exercise class, bicycling, dancing, walking or swimming to get the heart pumping and improve heart health.
Monitor body weight – Extra weight can be very hard on the heart. To maintain a healthy weight be conscious of portions or the amount of food you are taking in. For example, a meal should consist of no more than 2-3 ounces of meat and ½ cup of pasta. Dietary fiber is also a very important component to a heart healthy diet. Foods that are high in fiber are vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. A diet high in fiber will help to prevent inflammation in the arteries and also fill you up!
Relax - Work on avoiding excess stress by using relaxation techniques. One way to relax the body is by taking deep breaths periodically during the day. There are other ways to lower stress levels such as meditation, yoga, or through prayer. Any of these can be effective in lowering your stress level.
Signs & Symptoms – Study the symptoms of a heart attack so you can act quickly if they happen to you. Some of the symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw pain, neck pain and sudden weakness or lightheadedness. If you feel these symptoms, immediately call for an ambulance.
KNOWLEDGE MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER!
Please participate in The American Heart Association’s Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. We are asking Seeland Park residents to also wear their RED to our heart-healthy fitness classes on the 5th at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. See you there!
by: Kristin Jennings, Fitness Specialist
