The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States.
A lack of dedication to a heart-healthy lifestyle is one of the major factors behind these numbers. Not only is your lifestyle your best protection against heart disease and stroke, but it is also your duty. The following suggestions are part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. You may lower all modifiable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke by following these easy measures.
Many retirement communities in Austin, TX provide an environment and amenities to help promote a heart-healthy lifestyle. Depending on the type of retirement community you choose, you will also find that they have team members dedicated to helping you achieve this goal. Many of them are professionals in caring for those with ailments like heart disease and are therefore in the best position to provide you with information to reduce the risk of heart damage.
When scouting for a retirement community, always try to find out what they have to offer in terms of promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Even if you don’t have hypertension or heart disease, engaging in these activities will reduce the chances of getting these diseases, and will also protect you from the negative effects of heart disease.
Some of the ways in which a retirement community in Austin, TX can help you maintain a healthy heart include:
Optimize Your Nutrition
A balanced diet is one of the most effective weapons in the battle against cardiovascular disease. The foods you consume (and how much you eat) can have an impact on other risk factors that you can manage, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and being overweight. Choose nutrient-rich foods over nutrient-poor meals, which include vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients but are lower in calories.
Choose a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, low in fat dairy products, chicken, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils, and nuts, and low in sweets, sugar-sweetened drinks, and red meats. To maintain a healthy weight, balance your food with your level of physical activity so that you burn as many calories as you consume.
Physical Activity
Most retirement communities encourage physical activity. The type of activity depends on the age of the guest and any illnesses they might have, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Exercise is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in many ways. You are encouraged to engage in some physical activity, and most communities have the amenities for this.
According to research, at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, and maintain a healthy weight. And something is always preferable to nothing. If you are currently inactive, begin slowly. Even a few minutes at a time may be beneficial to your health.
Weight Management
Obesity is quite common in America across all age groups. Fad diets and supplements usually do not work in reducing weight. The only way to maintain a healthy weight is by combining a proper diet, calorie restriction, and physical activity. Obesity puts you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Retirement communities have professional team members who can help you develop a regimen to manage your weight at a healthy level.