VISITING ANGELS BEAVER DAM, WI 920-821-1111
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Lifestyle Changes That Help Heal Your Heart

Lifestyle Changes That Help Heal Your Heart

Contrary to popular belief, it’s never too late to improve your health. This includes the health of your heart. Unfortunately, many seniors live a sedentary lifestyle. In doing so, they increase their risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. Heart disease is serious and continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women.

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health. Small lifestyle changes can significantly affect the health of a senior’s heart and reduce their risk of heart failure. Here are four lifestyle changes that help heal your heart and local resources to point seniors in the right direction. 


Get Active
Studies show that exercise can reverse the damage from living a sedentary lifestyle and prevent future heart failure. One way seniors can heal their hearts is to increase their activity levels. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to improve overall cardiovascular health. The Watermark provides many opportunities for seniors to get active and offers transportation at a discounted rate for seniors. The YMCA of Dodge County offers a variety of ways for seniors to get active. Seniors can sign up for a winter exercise class, schedule a personal training session, or participate in virtual classes at home. 


Practice Yoga
Another way seniors can heal their hearts is to practice yoga. Research indicates that practicing yoga can lower the risk of heart disease as conventionally as going for a brisk walk. The combination of gentle stretching, deep breathing, and meditation helps prevent heart disease. The Watermark offers yoga, chair, and relaxation technique classes. Search for “yoga” here and register for the next class.

Manage Stress
Stress raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Acute, constant stress can even trigger a heart attack or stroke. It’s not just stress that can increase the risk of heart disease. Unhealthy coping mechanisms to stress can also contribute to heart diseases, such as emotional eating, heavy drinking, or ceasing activity. Seniors can heal their hearts by finding healthier ways to manage stress. Try tai chi, a gentle form of exercise that includes meditation and focused breathing. Seniors can find a tai chi class near Beaver Dam on this website. Theravive offers professional help to seniors who struggle with anger management, self-control, and stress management.

Prioritize Sleep
Many older adults suffer from insomnia or other sleep disturbances. Disrupted sleep puts older adults at a greater risk for high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. These three conditions increase the risk of heart disease. Heal your heart by prioritizing sleep. Establish healthy sleep habits, such as turning off screens an hour before bed and not consuming caffeine in the late afternoon. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you struggle with insomnia or continue to wake up groggy, talk with your doctor. You may need to schedule a sleep study at a sleep clinic, such as Repose.

Partner with Visiting Angels Beaver Dam
One final lifestyle change seniors can make to help heal their hearts is to partner with Visiting Angels Beaver Dam. We are a trusted agency that provides senior living assistance to families in Beaver Dam, WI and the surrounding communities. The caring approach of our dedicated and reliable caregivers allow many older adults to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own home. We work with each client to establish a care plan that fits their individual needs and routine. Our compassionate caregivers can help you heal your heart by taking some of the stress of daily life off your shoulders. Whether you need assistance with personal care or could use a companion to keep you company during the day, we’re here for you. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-821-1111.

Serving Dodge & Columbia Counties

Visiting Angels BEAVER DAM, WI
140 Corporate Dr #2
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-821-1111
Fax: 920-328-0324

Serving Dodge & Columbia Counties

Visiting Angels BEAVER DAM, WI
140 Corporate Dr #2
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-821-1111
Fax: 920-328-0324