02/27/2026
As Heart Month comes to a close, its still important to take care of your heart all year long. Here are some heart healthy tips for seniors from our registered dietitian Erin Littleton:
• Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week. Incorporate strength training twice a week to maintain muscle, along with flexibility and balance exercises like yoga.
• Heart-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and fiber-rich foods. Limit intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and red meat. Choose lean proteins, such as fish, nuts, and seeds.
• Medical Checkups and Management: Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Limit alcohol consumption.
• Mental Well-Being and Rest: Manage stress through relaxation techniques and maintain social connections to prevent loneliness, which can negatively affect cardiovascular health. Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Hydration: Maintain proper hydration, as it supports heart function and helps avoid complications like high heart rates, or low blood pressure.
It is never too late to adopt these healthy habits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues!
