Senior Helpers In Home Care of Richmond, Virginia, Promotes Importance of Active Lifestyle for American Heart Month

Statistics show significantly reduced risks for heart disease in seniors that get up and get moving

Richmond, Virginia (February 1, 2011) – It’s a fact – heart disease is the single biggest health risk for seniors across the United States. It is the leading annual cause of death and hospitalizations among all older Americans, but one local company is showing Richmond seniors that simple nutrition tips and lifestyle tricks can significantly lower the risk of them becoming another statistic.

February is American Heart Month, and as groups around the nation are raising awareness about heart disease, local senior care experts from Senior Helpers are working with the local elderly each day to help fight the battle on the front lines.

“Many of the families and seniors we work with locally don’t understand that a proper diet and even the modest of exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks among seniors by more than 25 percent,” said John Morris of Senior Helpers of Richmond, Virginia (VA), a local senior care company that provides in-home and companion care services for seniors throughout the area.

“Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting lazy, so we do everything we possibly can to help our clients continue to live a healthy, happy lifestyle,” Morris said.

Statistics About Seniors and Heart Disease*:

-- 5.3 million Americans are living with heart disease and over 600,000 more are diagnosed each year

-- 1 in 5 seniors (those over the age of 65) develop some sort of heart disease -- The number of seniors hospitalized annually for heart failure has increased

more than 130 percent since 1980 -- Simple regular light to moderate physical activity (walking, gardening,

outdoor chores, etc.) can reduce the risk of heart disease among seniors by 25 to 36 percent.

*Source: American Heart Association

In addition to physical exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle can also significantly reduce the risk of suffering heart disease, heart attacks and irregular or rapid heartbeats – all red flags of potential heart failure among the elderly.

“The heart is a muscle, and like every other muscle group in the body, you need to exercise it and give it the nutrients it needs to work properly,” Morris said. “Especially as you get older.”

Nutrition Tips for a Heart-Healthy Senior Diet:

-- Quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption -- Avoid foods with trans-fats (margarine, bakery goods, fast foods) to reduce

cholesterol levels -- Eat plenty of fish, green vegetables and nuts with omega-3 fatty acids to

improve overall heart health -- Drink black or green tea after meals – antioxidants in these beverages

decreases blood vessel constriction and improve overall circulation

“Each senior we work with needs different help and assistance to remain independent,” Morris said. “Our caregivers are all trained and certified, and they know how to safely promote an individual heart-healthy lifestyle among aging loved ones. Whether it’s help in the kitchen preparing meals, assistance moving around the house during the day, or simply a friend to motivate an aging family member to get out for an afternoon walk, we can help.”

Media Contact: John Morris, (804) 559-0119, jmorris@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/5103

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Richmond, Ashland, Petersburg, Goochland, Midlothian, Mechanicsville and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Richmond, Henrico County, Hanover County, Chesterfield County, Goochland County or the surrounding area, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/5103.