Home Care in Thornhill – February is Heart Month
How fitting is it that the month of Valentine’s Day is also “Heart Month?” February is the month to become more aware of your heart health and so you can lead a heart-friendly lifestyle. It’s also a great time to get involved with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The Foundation reports that every seven minutes, a life is taken by heart disease or stroke. Throughout the month of February, nearly 70,000 volunteers will canvass neighborhoods to raise awareness about heart disease and collect money for research. Heart research saves lives by preventing disease and improving recovery rates.
Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General of Canada, is the 2015 Honorary Chair of Heart Month. She was diagnosed in 1999 with atrial fibrillation and in 2005 had a pacemaker implanted. She volunteers her time to help raise awareness as well as volunteering in the fundraising campaign.
Diet and exercise affect a person’s heart health. Below are some suggestions about how you can improve your loved one’s diet:
· Switch dairy to low-fat
· Increase dietary intake of poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits and whole-grain foods
· Eat less saturated and trans fats
· Increase your intake of healthy fats providing Omega-3s
· Limit sugar in drinks and avoid artificial sweeteners
· Cut back on salt
· Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level
· Season your food with healthy herbs and spices instead of salt
As always, exercise is a great way to improve health. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
How Home Care Services Can Help
Hiring a professional in-home care provider for your elderly loved one is a great way to help him or her get healthy. A loving, experienced caregiver will prepare nutritious meals and make sure your senior is following his or her heart-healthy diet.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Thornhill, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at 905.709.1767.
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