{"id":7053,"date":"2022-02-14T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T09:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/heart-month-more-than-chocolate-and-roses\/"},"modified":"2022-02-14T09:00:45","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T09:00:45","slug":"heart-month-more-than-chocolate-and-roses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/heart-month-more-than-chocolate-and-roses\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Month: More Than Chocolate and Roses"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that February is the month dedicated to focusing on your heart health? This time each year, the American Heart Association works to raise awareness about heart disease, since it is currently responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the United States&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Today, millions of Americans will take time to say \u201cI Love You\u201d and celebrate Valentine\u2019s Day with someone special in their life. \u00a0Among the roses and Hallmark cards, you will certainly see a countless number of heart-shaped objects. \u00a0As the universal symbol for love, you may even choose to give your special someone a heart-shaped chocolate, candy, or necklace, just to name a few possibilities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But did you know that February is also the month dedicated to focusing on your heart health? This time each year, the American Heart Association works to raise awareness about heart disease, since it is currently responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the United States. \u00a0While this statistic is sobering, the good news is that heart disease can be largely prevented with the proper diet, exercise, and medication when necessary. \u00a0As you celebrate someone you love this February, think about these 4 tips to keep your heart healthy for many Valentine\u2019s Days to come. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><\/b><strong>1. Heart Health:\u00a0Stay Active with a Hobby<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard about the many benefits exercise can have for your heart health. \u00a0However, many people find it difficult to work out consistently and loathe the idea of going to a gym. \u00a0If you resonate with this feeling, consider finding a hobby that will keep you active. \u00a0Do you enjoy dance classes, gardening, or walking? \u00a0These activities can also provide benefits for your health. \u00a0The key is to find something that you enjoy, and perform that activity regularly over a long period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><\/b><strong>2. Heart Health:\u00a0Examine Your Diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The goal of a healthy diet is to help you maintain a healthy weight while keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels. \u00a0The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruit along with whole-grain, high fiber foods. \u00a0It is also recommended to eat fish at least twice weekly. \u00a0Try to avoid foods with added salt as too much salt can elevate your blood pressure. \u00a0If you need help planning your meals, ask your doctor about consulting a dietician. \u00a0These visits with a dietician may even be covered by your insurance depending on your particular medical conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Heart Health: Still Smoking? Consider Dropping the Habit<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doctors have known for decades that smoking increases your risk for heart attacks and stroke. \u00a0In addition, over time smoking will damage your lung function and will make it difficult to perform the exercise that you need to stay healthy. \u00a0Even with these health risks, we understand that quitting smoking is a very difficult decision to make and that most individuals will need multiple attempts before finally kicking the habit for good. \u00a0If you are interested in quitting, <a href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/how-to-quit-smoking\/\">read our article here <\/a>and contact your health care provider to get the help you need to quit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Heart Health: Optimize Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/high-blood-pressure-avoid-four-complications\/\">High blood pressure<\/a> and high cholesterol levels increase your risk for developing heart disease. \u00a0If you are diagnosed with either one, your doctor will first try to adjust your diet and exercise plan. \u00a0If needed, you may be placed on a medication to control your blood pressure or improve your cholesterol levels. \u00a0It is important to continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor, even if you feel normal or have a normal blood pressure reading. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At Preferred Care at Home, we want to wish you a Happy Valentine\u2019s Day and Happy Heart Month! \u00a0If you or a loved one need help with preparing healthy meals or need a reminder for that blood pressure medication, we would love for you to give us a call or visit on one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/locations\/\">locations<\/a> near you and see how we can help you keep your heart healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that February is the month dedicated to focusing on your heart health? This time each year, the <a href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/heart-month-more-than-chocolate-and-roses\/\" class=\"h5 more-link\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":3866,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[944],"tags":[1120,1121,1059],"class_list":["post-7053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senior-health-wellness","tag-heart-health","tag-heart-month","tag-senior-wellness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.7 (Yoast SEO v21.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Heart Month: More Than Chocolate and Roses - Preferred Care at Home<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Heart Month: More Than Chocolate and Roses\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Did you know that February is the month dedicated to focusing on your heart health? 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