Age and decreased activity can increase seniors’ risk for heart disease, but there are simple steps to take, such as improved nutrition, that can make a world of difference. Eating a diet that helps prevent heart disease is easier than you think. These simple strategies, courtesy of the Surprise home health care team at Nightingale Homecare, will have your senior loved one well on the way to a heart-healthy diet.
- Choose fats wisely. We’re all aware of the need to cut back on fats that are dangerous to our health, such as trans fats, but there are actually healthy alternatives that we should all include in our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids (those found in avocados, olive and canola oil, nuts and fish), consumed in small amounts, are the best choice.
- Eat your veggies. And fruits, too! The recommendation is two servings of fruit, especially those with dark-colored skin, and between three and five veggies, particularly non-starchy options such as broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, and dark, leafy greens.
- Think natural. Processed foods are typically heavy on salt content, along with other unhealthy additives. Choosing foods in their natural state helps prevent an overconsumption of salt, which is typically anything over 2,300 mg per day (or 1,500 mg per day for those at increased risk of heart disease).
- Go lean with protein. Saturated fats found in red meat and many dairy products clog arteries. Better choices for protein include fish, skinless chicken, soy, nuts, and beans.
- Fiber up! Soluble fiber provides the heart-healthy benefit of lowering LDL and triglycerides. Beans, oat bran and steel-cut oats, barley, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are great options.
If you’d like more tips and resources on improving heart health for a senior loved one, contact the Surprise home health care professionals at Nightingale Homecare. We’re also available to provide experienced hands-on care, in the comfort of your home, to improve overall health and wellbeing, through services such as:
- Managing chronic disease
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals
- Providing transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and other outings
- Assisting with personal care and hygiene needs
- Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
- Taking care of light housework, laundry, pets and more around the home
- A full range of skilled medical services provided by our registered nurses – and much more
Whether your loved one could benefit from just a few hours each week of assistance, or if more in-depth care is needed up to 24 hours each day, we’re on hand to help. Contact us for a free in-home assessment at (602) 504-1555 to learn more.
