If you’re a senior who only thinks of Cupid, flowers and chocolate in February, the American Heart Association (AHA) would like to change that. As we mark the 57th American Heart Month, we remember that heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans. After suffering his own heart attack, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first proclamation of this month-long observation.

As part of the heart health observation, the AHA has launched “Don’t Die of Doubt.” This national campaign reminds seniors to continue seeing their doctors, taking their medications and practicing COVID-19 precautions, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and mask wearing.

The inactivity and poorer eating habits that come with confinement and a less active lifestyle combine to put heart health at a higher risk during these pandemic times. Despite that, many seniors, fearing exposure to COVID-19, have canceled medical appointments, which is exactly the opposite of what they need to do to protect their heart health.

Seniors need to take three simple steps to keep their hearts as healthy as possible during COVID-19:

    1. Maintain your new normal – keep doing whatever you are doing now. Continue to socially distance, wear a mask and sanitize as often as possible.
    2. Communicate with your doctor by phone and video. Many providers are waiving co-pays for telemedicine to put important health conversations at the top of your “to do” list.
  1. Keep taking your prescriptions as directed by your physician. Some seniors worry that continuing to take blood pressure medications increase their vulnerability to COVID-19 but this is not true.

The AHA campaign also reminds seniors that hospitals are the best place to go if they are experiencing symptoms. Seniors should take action if they experience dry cough; fever or chills; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; headache; fatigue; sore throat; congestion or running nose; muscle pain; loss of taste or smell; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

People age 65 and older say heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, coronary heart disease and heart failure, is the biggest threat to their quality of life. However, they can take some comfort in knowing the majority of heart-related incidents, approximately 80%, can be prevented. Prevention hinges on seniors kicking the smoking habit, minding their fruits and vegetables, controlling their blood sugar and cholesterol, managing their high blood pressure, performing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and maintaining a schedule of regular checkups.

More attention, not less, is needed to protect senior hearts now – especially those already battling heart disease. Seniors with heart disease need to be vigilant because their compromised immune systems may give them a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Kadan Homecare is committed to serving seniors with excellent care wherever they consider to be home. We go anywhere and everywhere whether it’s a hospital, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility, personal home or a family home. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation on your current needs, and together we’ll make a plan that’s just right for your situation. For more information or to talk with our team, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.