With the increasing numbers of seniors being affected by heart disease, more people are trying to begin new daily regimes that will lower their risks. Exercise is a great way to lower risks and improve health. There are many benefits to an exercise program, and lowering the chances of developing heart disease is one of them. Provided below is a list of facts and tips that are related to heart disease and exercise.

Before making changes to a diet or adding exercise, San Jose Home Care wants to remind all seniors that they should always talk to their doctors first. Be sure to ask about medications, the ability to lift heavy objects and what exercises are safe for you.

1. Exercise can help circulation and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. It also lowers blood pressure, improves muscle tone and strength, boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.

2. Stretching exercises lengthen the muscles, preparing them for activity. It will reduce the chance of injury and muscle strain.

3. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and will greatly improve the use of oxygen in the body.

4. Try to implement a walking program to start. Then you can move to jogging, biking or water aerobics.

5. An exercise session should last between 20 and 30 minutes to provide the best benefits for the body and over-all health. Exercise every day or every other day for the best results.

Source: webmd.com

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Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

San Jose Home Care wants all seniors to know that they should always talk to their doctor before starting a new exercise or diet program.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, candy hearts and heart shaped cards flood supermarkets and drugstores. This time of year is the perfect reminder for seniors to keep those hearts healthy. Part of maintaining healthy hearts comes with eating. A heart healthy diet follows several specific eating habits.

• Saturated Fats—To follow the Heart Healthy Diet, only 8% to 10% of a senior’s total daily calories should come from saturated fats. This percentage is based upon the percentage of calories you actually eat. In other words, the amount will vary depending on how many calories you consume.

• Fats—A senior’s total daily calories from fat should be 30% or less. Once again, this percentage is based on the percentage of calories you eat.

• Dietary Cholesterol—Seniors should keep their daily dietary cholesterol intake under 300 milligrams if they want to stick with the heart healthy diet.

• Sodium—Sodium consumption should be limited to 2400 milligrams a day.

• Eating Habits —Seniors should not deprive themselves of calories or over eat. It is important to always eat enough calories towards maintaining or achieving a healthy weight. Also, a healthy calorie intake should help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Source: nhlbisupport.com

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Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.