Century Park Blog

Over the years I have had the honor of caring for and being a part of the miracles and struggles of our senior population.

As I reflect back on some of the biggest challenges our seniors face today, I am reminded of the residents I have cared for with significant heart problems. So many times I remember sitting at the bedside talking our residents through the fears of difficulty breathing and heart concerns. I have a great amount of sympathy for those faced with these concerns.

With February being Heart Health Awareness Month, it is a great opportunity for Century Park to remind our Century Park Family to be conscious of matters of the heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women today in the U.S. Awareness is the first step to preventing or treating heart disease. This month serves as an important reminder to stay educated on one of the most vital parts of our body.

The heart is a muscle that pumps nutrients and oxygen to your body. The electrical system of the heart controls the heart beat (heart rate or pulse). Each beat is a contraction moving blood out to all the cells in your body. Pumping about 5 to 6 quarts per minute your heart works hard to keep you alive. Obviously, serious consideration of one's heart health is important.

As blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease.

Other risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet, stress, &excessive alcohol consumption.

The good news is that regardless of your age, you can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease. Keep moving, eat right and work with your healthcare provider to put a plan in place to get and stay heart healthy. Your Century Park Lifestyles team has several opportunities to get active and keep healthy.

Please reach out to your provider to find out more for what will work for you. Take a moment this month to sit back and consider all your heart does for you, and what you can do to pay it back!