Monthly Archives: February 2012

5 Simple Cardiovascular Activities For The Elderly

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As individuals get older their tendency to exercise regularly diminishes. One reason for this is that some believe their bodies can no longer take the strain of exercise, which inevitably leads to a self fulfilling prophecy. The simple fact is that exercise is a highly beneficial aspect of life, one that should not be weighted against age. If one cannot exercise on his or her own, then maybe a little support is all they need.

Following is a list of 5 exercises of varying difficulty which can be applied together or separately in the routine of a senior under Albuquerque Live-In Care.

1. Yoga

The benefit of Yoga is that it deals with all aspects of ones body. It gives an individual peace of mind as the nerves are massaged through the various exercises. While Yoga has great benefits it is important to consult a certified yoga instructor before starting any yoga regiments.

2. Aquatic Aerobics

Any primary care physician will tell you that swimming is the best cardiovascular exercise. Swimming isn’t just something to do during the summer. It can easily be worked into daily exercise, adding benefit into any routine. But it is important to know your limits and be safe.

3. Mild Weight Lifting

An object in motion will stay in motion. This is the premise behind weight lifting. If one does not frequently use any given object, then that object will no longer be able to function properly- the same applies for the body. Performing light weight lifting exercises can greatly enhance the mobility o seniors.

4. Tai Chi

This cardiovascular activity tends to works very well because it is specifically targeted for the elderly. It may be mild, but it is potent. Setup a consultation with a local Tai Chi trainer and see if it’s something you might enjoy.

5. Power Walking

Power walking is appealing to many people because it gives individuals the ability to tailor their own speed and strides to fit their comfort levels. Seniors who participate in power walking tend to be more healthy and active compared to those who don’t.

Keep in mind that before you begin any routine, medical conditions should be taken seriously and used to tailor the nutrition and activities of the individual. Albuquerque Home Care is all about caring for the individual as much as possible and this can be done by tailoring all the activities to the individual’s history and background. It is vital that you listen to the feedback the individual gives through their speech and through their vital signs. With that you can begin forming an exercise routine fitted to that individual’s capabilities.

Five Ways to Protect Your Heart

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What most people don’t know is that heart disease is one of the leading killers in the United States. Roughly 750,000 Americans die every year due to heart disease. Knowing the major factors that cause heart disease could help you in preventing heart related problems.

Although it is true that some factors such as age, sex or family history that determine the possibility of contracting heart disease cannot be changed, there are nonetheless five key factors that can help in reducing the possibility of suffering from heart disease. We at Home Care Albuquerque of New Mexico believe that being aware of risk factors that can cause a heart attack is vital for staying healthy. Our Caregivers are trained in the balanced care method which ensures healthy living for our senior clients.

Factor 1: Drugs? No Thank You

Everyone, young or old, should avoid the use of any kind of tobacco for this drug is a major risk factor linked to developing heart disease. The chemicals found in tobacco have the ability to damage the blood vessels and the heart. This damage leads to atherosclerosis which can ultimately cause a heart attack. Even smokeless, low-nicotine cigarettes and secondhand smoke are a risk and should be avoided.

Factor 2: Use that Gym Pass

Individuals should exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and at least five times per week. Physical activity assists in controlling weight and may help reduce the chance of developing other conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure which are known to cause a strain on the heart.

Factor 3: DASH up Your Diet

Have you heard of the DASH diet? There is a special diet called DASH, which means Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension which (when practiced) can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Following the DASH diet entails eating only foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. This diet is full of vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy, whole grains, beans, certain kinds of fish and low-fat protein sources. Give it a try; your heart will thank you.  See how our professionally trained and certified Albuquerque caregivers can help enhance the quality of life for your loved one through proper nutrition and exercise.

Factor 4: Keep an Eye on the Scale

As we age, the majority of the weight gained sits on our bodies as fat instead of being utilized as muscle. This added weight can cause conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure which inevitably can lead to heart disease.

Factor 5: Don’t Avoid Your Doctor

Regularly go in for health screenings; you don’t know what might be hiding just beneath your skin. If not watched out for, high cholesterol and high blood pressure could wreak havoc on your body, damaging blood vessels and going for the heart. As you age, your body no longer is the well oiled machine it used to be. Talk with your doctor, watch for the risk factors and address them accordingly.