It’s American Heart Month! A great time to join the battle against heart disease and celebrate our bodies’ most important muscle – the heart! Here are five ways you can keep the beat and stay heart healthy – this month and all year long.
1. Wear Red
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women. That staggering statistic boils down the fact that heart disease is more fatal to women than all forms of cancer, accidents and diabetes combined. To shed light on the importance of heart health, the first Friday of February is “Wear Red Day.” To help fight to end heart disease, consider having your own “Red Day” and donating to the American Heart Association to support research and heart disease awareness.
2. Eat Heart Healthy
Fruits, vegetables and legumes contain flavonoids (a group of phytonutrients or plant chemicals) that offer anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits, as well as being associated with cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease prevention. At MBK Senior Living communities, our culinary team offers a diverse daily menu of delicious and heart healthy options that utilize healthy fats as well as a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
3. Stay Active
Adults should aim to exercise for approximately 30 minutes a day. In addition to getting your blood pumping, regular exercise also helps seniors with balance, agility and maintaining their independence. Consider joining a walking group, taking a yoga class, jumping into a water aerobics class or working with a trainer. At MBK communities, our MBK Fit programs support residents overall wellness, and achieve a wide range of fitness goals.
4. Be Social
Who knew that being social can reduce the risk of a stroke? Fact is, being social can lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation in your body, as well as boost your immune system, encourage good habits, delay memory loss, and relieve pain. Through our Mind+Body Wellness program, residents find a host of resident enrichment activities, events and outings that provide ample opportunities to connect and be social.
5. Cheers & Chocolate
Studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate and red wine (in moderation) can provide a number of benefits for your heart and overall health. Both include resveratrol, an antioxidant that is associated with lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, suppressing cancer cells, and slowing down the slow down age-related cognitive decline.
Want to learn more ways MBK signature programming, exceptional amenities and services, and knowledgeable, caring team members can support your heart-healthy lifestyle? Click here and schedule a tour at one of our 32 communities.
