Managing heart health is a lifelong journey, but with the right knowledge, caregivers and their loved ones can help ensure a heart that matters. Whether you’re managing new or long-term conditions, consistency can improve overall well-being.
Continuing the theme of heart health, I would like to share why caring for your heart matters, especially in the African American community. Given the many risk factors that increase the risk of heart disease, education is pivotal to community care. Risk factors for heart disease include physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. With proactive practices, control and prevention are possible. Three areas are often top of mind when discussing heart disease. Lessons learned benefit caregivers and loved ones in your care: scheduled activities, regular check-ins with doctors, and effective management of diagnosed chronic diseases are key to proactive care and prevention. Recognizing risk factors is half the battle in preventing heart disease and improving heart health.
Scheduled Activities
Activity is important for all age groups, especially when heart disease is a concern. There is often a misconception about which exercises to do. However, keep in mind that exercises must be appropriate for each individual. Seeking your medical team’s advice before starting any exercise program is always justified, especially if health conditions are a concern. The goal here is to schedule a time and keep moving.
Regular Check-Ins With Practitioners
Regular check-ins with practitioners are important for preventive health, early disease detection, medication management, and tracking blood pressure and heart rate. Personal health guidance for caregivers and loved ones helps manage known heart conditions and keeps you updated. Sometimes, going to the practitioner throughout the year is necessary; an extra layer of protection never hurts. Also, write down pressing questions to ask. Eldercare can be challenging when many concerns are present. Keeping track of the medical aspects of care is less stressful when documented.
Control Of Diagnosed Chronic Diseases
Controlling the symptoms of chronic disease starts with knowing the signs when changes occur. When we discuss heart disease, the focus is on blood pressure and other heart conditions. Management of these conditions includes monitoring sodium intake, medication management, nutritional health, and weight management. Effective management empowers individuals to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life for the community, caregivers, and our loved ones.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, we celebrate heart health in February, but we should focus on overall heart health year-round. From annual and routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions to exercises for care is the message. Small improvements can have lasting benefits. Be safe! Be well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous work, From the Lens of a Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflects her experiences and insights from her heartfelt caregiving journey.