HAVE A HEART – FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH BY NIKKI HOFFMAN
Have a heart! February is Heart Health Month. It is all about energy, vitality and maintaining healthy hearts. Focusing on heart health is critical for everyone, especially for us seniors.Simply increasing movement can lower many heart disease risk factors. Regular aerobic activity strengthens both heart and lungs. Walking, bicycling, dancing and swimming are good examples. Golf incorporates cardiovascular exercise along with strength training, balance and coordination. Even pushing a grocery cart around the store is an aerobic activity. Fitness classes at Harbor Hills include low impact aerobics, water aerobics, line dancing and yoga.Motivation becomes harder as we age. Start with two and a half hours of physical activity each week. That’s only thirty minutes a day, five days a week. Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight go hand in hand. Carrying too much weight increases heart disease risk, high blood pressure and diabetes.The toughest goal for most of us is reducing stress. One way to manage stress and improve sleep is by meditation. Peaceful sounds can be downloaded from the internet to aid in sleep. Many apps for relaxation therapy can be found on-line.The connection between health and friendship is well-documented. Harbor Hills members and guests will strengthen this connection with a special mixer on February 27th. This “Meet A Neighbor, Bring A Neighbor” event features live entertainment, a gourmet burger buffet and drink specials. Friendships, old and new, complete the evening.Make your self-care story successful. The people who love you are depending on it.