As people get older, body systems do not seem to work as well as they did at a younger age. This makes it important to take care of ourselves the best we can; diet, exercise, and rest will all help to keep our bodies working well. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter how well we take care of ourselves, illness and disease can take hold of us. In the elderly, it seems that heart problems are prevalent.
Here are a few tips to help keep your heart in tip-top shape:
- Loose weight~Your heart will not have to work as hard to send blood to all parts of a slimmer body.
- Avoid hard exercise~This puts a sudden pumping demand on your heart.
- Engage in mild exercise~Walking or joining a doctor approved cardiac rehab program could help strengthen your heart.
- Wear loose clothing~Wear clothing that encourages good blood flow in the legs; tight socks or hose with tight tops could slow blood flow to your legs thus causing clots.
- Avoid extreme temperatures~The body works harder to keep the body temperature normal when you are too hot or too cold.
- Avoid colds/flus~Try to stay away from those who are sick; also ask your doctor about yearly flu shots and the pneumonia shot.
- Limit alcohol~Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you (though it should be avoided altogether) as alcohol weakens the heart; heart failure could improve if alcohol is eliminated.
- Get plenty of rest~Your body needs 8 hours of sleep a day.
- Drink plenty of water~8 (8oz) glasses per day is recommended.
- Keep legs elevated when sitting~This will help to increase circulation. Having your legs hanging down for extended periods of time can cause the blood to pool in your lower extremities thus putting you at risk for blood clots.
- Most importantly, LISTEN to your body and on days you feel well, do more and on days you feel sick, do less.
