Did you know that most heart problems are treatable when they’re found early? Every day, preventive habits can make a huge difference in helping you to live a longer, healthier life.
Many seniors are unaware of the importance of preventive care, which includes services that prevent diseases before they even start. These simple steps can help you stay well as you age, with ongoing support from your primary care doctor. Here’s how to get started.
Why Health Prevention Matters
If you want to maintain a healthy heart as you age, you don’t have to do it alone! Prevention is a lifestyle supported by ongoing primary care. With simple steps like seeing your doctor for regular checkups and screenings, eating healthy foods, and more, you can help protect your heart. Small, realistic steps make a big impact. Below, explore some of the many ways anyone can get started:
Regular Checkups and Screenings for Heart Health
Regular checkups are important to catch changes in heart health before they become serious concerns. During a regular checkup, your primary care provider will measure your height and weight, check your blood pressure, and discuss your heart health with you.
Your primary care provider can also guide you in managing regular screenings for heart health, which involves testing for things like high cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure, cancer, and more.
Get Routine Vaccinations
During regular visits with your primary care provider, be sure to ask about routine vaccinations that can help protect you and your heart. Some examples include the COVID-19 vaccination, shingles vaccine, and flu shot.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Changing your everyday lifestyle habits and replacing unhealthy ones with healthier ones is essential to protect your heart. Healthy lifestyle changes that can support your heart health include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting enough sleep every night.
Exercise and Movement
Keeping your weight down (preventing obesity) with regular movement and exercise can also help protect your heart. Start by aiming to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, which could include walking, dancing, gardening, or attending a local exercise class.
Healthy Eating
Choose heart-healthy foods and avoid processed, packaged foods whenever possible. Consuming well-rounded meals that contain whole grains, fruit, and vegetables can help support your heart health.
It may also be helpful to eat on a consistent schedule every day and swap out sugar-sweetened juices and sodas with water. Swapping regular water for sparkling water, or adding berries or lemon slices, can help you drink more water. Plus, keeping a pitcher of cold water in the fridge will make it easily accessible whenever you’re thirsty.
During regular visits with your primary care provider, discuss creating a healthy eating plan that is easy for you to follow.
Prioritize Mental Health and Sleep
Heart health and mental health are closely connected, which is why it’s important to find ways to improve your mental health. Find options that work for you, such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or even recreational walks. Connecting with family and friends can also help support your mental health (and therefore improve your heart health too!).
Getting more rest is also important to allow your body heal and repair. Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning to encourage a healthy sleep routine. Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool for good sleep.
Take a Tour and Find a PCP for Preventive Heart Health Visits
Start building a strong relationship with a primary care provider to support your long-term heart health. Take virtual tour a to see what our centers are like and meet a care team that’s ready to partner with you.
Find a location near you and take the next step toward better health. Book an appointment with a Chen Senior Medical Center provider to get a helping hand with your preventive health through regularly scheduled exams.
