Veteran’s Care – February is American Heart Month: Make Positive Change Today!
Veterans who require care may not always have the same access to doctors and other professionals as other citizens have. Of course, that will all depend on whether they get their healthcare through the local veterans hospitals or through a private physician.
No matter where they get their primary medical care, there are numerous things every elderly veteran can do to improve their overall heart health. Being that February is American Heart Month, the five steps listed below can be incredibly beneficial for long term health and well-being. Even for the veteran who has had cardiovascular issues in the past, it’s never too late to focus on the right things to do for their health and well-being.
1. Reduce stress.
One of the most effective things people can do to take care of their heart is find a way to reduce stress. The challenge is figuring out what that can be. Everyone is different so the things they worry about, the things that keep them up at night may be different for them as they are for other individuals.
There are numerous strategies that people use on a regular basis to help calm the mind and reduce stress. Using meditation techniques, doing yoga, and simply clearing the mind can all be effective at helping to reduce stress levels.
2. Change diet.
The things we eat have a direct impact on our heart health. High cholesterol foods, red meats, and fatty foods can all cause the heart to have to work harder, causing major health problems. Focusing on a healthier diet that is low in cholesterol, low in fats, and increased fish and seafood products could be beneficial.
3. Quit smoking.
If the elderly veteran still smokes, quitting now is not too late. The moment a person quits smoking they reduce the risk of a number of serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and much more. Depending on how long the individual smoked for, it could be extremely challenging. There are patches and prescription medications that could help in this fight.
4. Reduce alcohol consumption.
If a person drinks quite a bit of beer or wine every day, it can be negatively impacting their heart health. Many medical journals have reported that one or two glasses of wine a day can actually be beneficial for heart health, but too much alcohol will have the opposite effect.
5. Get exercise.
Even for a veteran who has had a heart attack in the past, exercise is usually highly recommended by medical professionals. Always encourage the veteran to check with his or her primary care physician to make sure that exercise is okay and safe for them.
For more information and to learn about veteran’s care, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
