Commit to good heart health in the New Year

By Gretchen Pahia

Congestive heart failure is one of the most prevalent conditions among older Valley residents. In fact, 5.7 million Americans over the age of 65 are affected by congestive heart failure each year. While it is a dangerous condition, it can be prevented and cared for after diagnosis.
Congestive Heart Failure Specialist and Education Coordinator Becky Kraemer, of Cardiac Solutions, says it is all about education. “I teach classes on how to live with heart failure and preventing heart failure, with the goal of keeping people out of the hospital,” Becky says.
The term congestive heart failure means your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should, meaning there is less oxygen and nutrients reaching the cells of your body.  People suffering from this and other heart conditions should focus on preventative care as well as long-term care after diagnosis, and be actively involved in the process.  “We all live with the Dr. Marcus Welby syndrome, where no one knows what is going on with their own health care,” Becky says. “They just want to be told what to do and sent on their way. However, one diet won’t work for everyone; one exercise program won’t work for everyone and people need to play an active role in their own care.”

Nutrition is Key 

Patients 60 years and older, need to remember their metabolism slows down as they age. They need to have peace with their body and give it time to heal. “Your body has been patient with you all these years, so now it is your turn to be patient with it,” Becky says.  One of the main points people need to remember as they get older is that eating healthy is most certainly key to prevention and long-term care for our bodies. “People need to learn to eat healthy,” Becky says. “What God made and we didn’t wreck, is usually good for us, so this means anything that isn’t processed.”

Exercise is Heart Smart

Exercise is also important, but be mindful of your physical restrictions and abilities. Before you start an exercise regimen, first and foremost contact your personal physician or cardiologist for guidance. Once you start, listen to your body. If you become short of breath or experience chest pains, you are exercising too hard. If you become dizzy, the same rules apply. Slow down and take it easy. Becky reiterates, “You need to listen to your body and give your body time to work with you.” 
In general, people over the age of 55 should work on getting 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, even if you are healthy. However, if you have not exercised in a while and are looking to start something new in 2017, speak with your family doctor or specialist. Once you feel ready to get started, start slowly and try to keep to a schedule, but remember flexibility is key. Walk three to four times a week for 30 minutes. Even if you have to just walk to your mailbox and back, it is better than remaining sedentary all the time.

Steady Progress is Key 

“Exercise and being healthy should be a part of your life forever and it must be something you are willing to give your body,” Becky says. “Maintenance and diligence are vital. Remember, there is no hurry, so if you miss an exercise day, it is OK, because you can work it into your life as you need to, as long as you keep moving.”
Most importantly, keep it livable, so that you are not eating and living differently from all of those around you, who are your support system. That will help everyone in the long run and keep you moving forward to a healthy and prosperous life.