For more information on the author, The Windsor of Venice, CLICK HERE!By the time you read this, the reported deaths from COVID-19 and its variants in the U.S. will be close to 900,000. As staggering as that statistic is, its 400,000 short of the number of Americans killed by Heart Disease in the same time period. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of most racial and ethnic groups.Lets not allow the topic to overwhelm the fact there's a miracle inside your chest. Weighing about as much as a grapefruit, the heart is a powerful pump that drives five to six quarts of blood to every microscopic part of your body every second. And if it fails for even a second, the body is very unforgiving. Even though its the one piece of machinery driven by the brain, we tend to treat the heart like a kitchen appliance that we take for granted. Rarely serviced, rarely cleaned, and overworked until it burns out. Although heart bypass and transplant have become routine since the pioneering operations in the 1960s, its not like replacing the coffee maker you neglected too long.One Thing at a TimeThe better way to treat your heart with the respect it deserves is to start with changing just small habits. That way, you'll avoid the relapse from trying to change everything at once and falling back to unhealthy heart habits inside of a month. The most obvious: if youre a smoker or heavy drinker, work on that first. Imagine a small team of remodelers arriving at your heart to do a makeover. The first thing they're going to say is, Well, we cant do anything with the plumbing until we clear the smoke.Look for Help During Heart MonthQuitting smoking and reducing alcohol is never easy, but this is probably as good a time as any during the year to start a cessation program with help. February is American Heart Month, so you're likely to be reminded frequently of heart health and offered tips on modifying your routine to help your heart and prolong a happy life. If you only look to one place, trust the American Heart Association www.heart.org.Prediabetes and Heart DiseaseWhat's your blood sugar level? If you don't know, you should find out from your doctor if you're not already monitoring it yourself. You could be pre-diabetic without knowing it or showing any symptoms. There's a good chance you could avoid becoming diabetic and reverse your pre-diabetic blood sugar to normal with relatively little change to your diet and a slight increase inyour activity. Diabetes has long been linked to heart disease, but recent studies suggest that reversing prediabetes is also linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes. [Reversing Prediabetes linked to fewer heart attacks, strokes, heart.org, Jan. 26, 2021.]While you're at it, get your cholesterol tested and routinely monitor your blood pressure.If your'e worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you're at risk and should adjust your diet. Home blood pressure monitors are not expensive, they're digital, and they're easy to use. Blood pressure stations are common in supermarkets now, and you can also check your weight and pulse.Women's Heart HealthWhy the emphasis on women's heart health? The American Heart Association tells us that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year about one woman every minute. They devote an entire website to womens heart health: Go Red for Women (www.goredforwomen.org). Here are just a few of the common misconceptions about womens heart health:Myth: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for womenFact :Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men and is more deadly than all cancer forms combined. While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease is the cause of one out of every three deaths.Myth: Heart disease is for old peopleFact: Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. Heart defects are more common than you might think: 1.3 million Americans alive today have some form of congenital heart defect and at least nine of every 1,000 infants born each year have a heart defect. Even if you live a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor.Myth: I run marathons no way I could be at risk.Fact: Factors like cholesterol, eating habits, and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says to start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20. Earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease.Age and Heart HealthMany things, like wine and most people, grow better with age. The heart, however, takes more tending than a glass of fine wine. Avoid things that weaken your heart beyond the normal aging process. These are the usual suspects: smoking and tobacco use, lack of exercise, diet, alcohol, overeating, and stress. Some preexisting conditions you cant control: irregular heartbeat, congenital (inherited) heart defects, sleep apnea (although this may be a product of obesity or alcohol consumption).Viruses and MyocarditisMyocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle mostly caused by a virus, including COVID-19, and can lead to left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle of the heart is the part that pumps oxygen-rich blood back to the body. This valve tends to stiffen with age. Thats one of the many reasons why age combined with a preexisting condition puts you at greater risk of death from COVID-19. Even survivors of the novel coronavirus infection can sustain permanent heart damage. All people must protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by observing precautions, not just because of its immediate lethality but also because of its impact on the heart, known and unknown.How to Start with Your HeartThe factors involved in heart health and the onset of heart disease are many, varied, and complicated. But the common preventions (listed here, from the Mayo Clinic) are simple. You probably already know them by heart, so to speak:Not smokingControlling certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetesStaying physically activeEating healthy foodsMaintaining a healthy weightReducing and managing stressThose may seem like six significant challenges, especially if you take on all six. But you should notice something else about them. Almost every one of them can affect the other five. So, if you pick one, you'll find it easier to take on the next one. People who quit smoking usually discover that they have more energy within the first week, and exercise becomes easier. A little exercise and switching out one unhealthy food will help with weight, stress, blood pressure, and diabetes. Easy does it, especially if you're 65 and older. You've spent a whole life learning one way. You can take your time. Learn to enjoy your healthier heart. But start today.First, Get a Checkup!Most of the questions this article has raised in your mind (What's my blood sugar level? What's my blood pressure? I used to smoke am I at risk?) can all be answered in a single doctors visit with simple lab work done a few days before. Schedule it now, before you start a program of exercise and diet. And schedule a regular exam per your doctors recommendation. Relieving the stress of not knowing will be a good start on your way to a healthier heart.

The heart is an incredible organ. From the time youre born to the time you die, it never stops working, not even when youre asleep. Once it starts beating it wont stop until its work is done. The heart works by pumping blood throughout your entire body. Every hour it will transport around 260 liters of blood, about 6240 liters per day. Not only must your heart pump oxygenated blood away from itself, but it has to bring deoxygenated blood back again. This is an intense amount of work for something only roughly the size of your clenched fist, and so it makes sense that something working this hard will start to wear out as we get older.How the Heart AgesAs you get older the chances of you developing heart disease increase. After the age of 65 the chances of having a stroke or heart attack are significantly higher. Because of this, it makes sense to take preventative measures well ahead of time and ensure that your heart remains healthy for as long as possible.As you age, the cells and muscles within your heart begin to weaken. While this doesnt alter the number of times your heart beats, the strength with which your heart pumps does begin to weaken. This, in conjunction with genetic factors and or poor lifestyle choices, can lead to a number of different complications.Signs of Heart DiseaseEarly signs of heart disease may be difficult to determine and may be ignored altogether. Its for that reason that you should visit your doctor for regular checkups. That being said any pain or tightness in your chest should warrant a visit or call to your doctor straight away. Other signs of the onset of heart disease include:PainChest pain during physical activityLightheadednessDizzinessShortness of breathHeadachesCold sweatsConfusionNausea/vomitingNumbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, or neckTiredness or fatigueSwelling of the ankles, feet, legs, stomach, or neckReduced ability to exercise or be physically activeHow to Prevent Heart Disease as you ageWhile the risk of contracting heart disease is dependent on genetics to a certain extent, its also largely related to lifestyle. With this in mind, there are a number of different steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing heart disease.  Quit smokingIf youre a smoker then its heavily advised to quit as soon as possible. Smoking is one of the leading causes of various cancers and heart diseases and is associated with higher mortality rates. With regards to the heart, smoking damages artery walls as well as red blood cells, and can lead to arteriosclerosis, a condition in which plaque hardens in your arteries. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis, as well as strokes, cardiac arrest and heart attacks.Cut down on alcoholIts no secret that heavy drinking can lead to any number of debilitating diseases including diabetes, liver disease and certain types of cancer. It can also lead to heart failure. To reduce the risk of heart disease caused by excessive drinking, its advisable to cut down when possible. Men should consume no more than two drinks a day and one drink for women.Follow a healthy dietDiet plays a huge role in regulating both heart health and overall well-being. The food you eat directly affects both how you feel and how your body functions. To lower the risk of heart disease and other diet-related related maladies such as type-two diabetes, stay away from overly processed foods, and foods high in sugar, additives and trans-fats. Instead, make sure that your diet consists of healthy foods such as whole fruits, vegetables, eggs and foods high in fiber.Maintain a healthy weightThis goes hand in hand with following a healthy diet, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the surest ways to minimize the risk of heart disease. Staying physically active while balancing the calories you consume with the calories you burn is important not just for heart health but overall wellbeing.To maintain a healthy weight, it's advised that you limit your portion sizes, eat only healthy, nutrient-dense foods, and do moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. This doesnt mean you have to do all of the exercise at the same time; try and break it up over the course of a few days. If youre unable to do that amount, then do as much as you can. The most important thing is that you stay active to the extent to which youre able.

he holidays are here. For many families, this is the one time during the year you are able to all be together. You may notice some changes in your senior loved one since the last time you saw them. Below are 5 things to look for when assessing their overall health and safety.Around the house  Have there been changes in how they keep up with their housework? Is it untidy, is mail piling up, is there laundry lying around? Seniors may have difficulty getting around or even remembering daily activities.Eating habits  Has your loved one experienced shifts in weight? This could be a serious health concern, but also a sign of depression. Look in their refrigerator and pantry. Often a senior is not shopping or cooking and does not have healthy food choices. You may wish to remove expired food.Personal hygiene  Do you notice a change in the way your loved one looks? Body odor, stained clothing or uncombed hair can be signs of depression, or difficulty caring for themselves.Personality changes  Has your normally social parent become more withdrawn? Are they less engaged in family conversations or activities? These are typically signs of depression and can also be a health risk.Difficulty getting around  Is your loved one less steady on their feet? Do you notice they are sitting too much and not moving around? These can be signs that they are worried about falling. They may also be concerned about appearing feeble.If you are concerned with any of these situations, talk to your loved one. Tell them how you feel and what you have noticed. You may determine that they are ready for a change. They may be relieved to have the conversation as well. If you have any questions about how to start the conversation, we can help too. Feel free to call a Legend Senior Living senior care consultant  we want your holidays to be fun and festive.

At Legend Senior Living, we observe National Parkinsons Month every April, and its a special month for us, because many residents face the challenges of living with Parkinsons Disease. If youre new as a caregiver, loved one or a patient yourself, the path ahead may seem obscure, complex and uncertain. Were offering a primer on a few resources weve found essential for living at home with Parkinsons and for providing care and support to a loved one with Parkinsons.Education Know the Symptoms and CausesThe first important thing to know and to keep at the top of your mind and heart is that a very good quality of life may be maintained with Parkinsons. The disease itself is not fatal but can cause serious complications. Next, never attempt a diagnosis on your own, as with any health-related symptoms. Rely on your doctor and seek immediate advice. With that in mind, heres a general list of symptoms from the Parkinsons Foundation:Tremor (shaking) usually at rest, often in a characteristic "pill rolling" motion of the thumb and forefinger, among other forms.Bradykinesia sluggish movementLimb rigidityGait and balance problemsThose are the more obvious "motor" or movement-related symptoms. Others less obvious: apathy, depression, constipation, sleep behavior disorders, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment.Parkinsons destroys dopamine-producing nerve cells neurons in the the brain stem. Theres no cure for Parkinsons or recovering the nerve cells, but patients can respond very well to treatment. This is the most basic description of Parkinsons and its effects. The wealth of research and advice from Parkinsons patients would fill a good-sized library.The Parkinsons Foundation is one single source for comprehensive information on care, treatment, support, research virtually everything Parkinsons-related. Rely on their website at parkinson.org for a more detailed description of the disease and ways to manage it.Authoritative resources for Parkinsons patients and their families:Mayo ClinicParkinson.orgAmerican Brain SocietyCare.com CaregiverDealing with Parkinsons is not a solo endeavor. Even the most self-reliant among us find that help from a spouse, loved ones and friends is essential for both the physical and mental challenges. Sometimes comfort and reassurance is as key as physical therapy. Professional caregivers bring the advantage of skilled, experienced care that can take some of the mystery and fear out of the symptoms. These are generally compassionate, committed people who are also good company. There is, however, no substitute for a friend or relative close to the patient being knowledgable and engaged in their treatment and therapy. This can be a time of growth, sharing the achievements and the struggles. Theres much support for family caregivers in the Parkinsons support organizations and in the medical community. Care.com offers a very comprehensive guide for caregivers: Caring for Seniors with Parkinsons Disease: Advice for families and caregivers.Support GroupThe support online or in live groups near you is usually free, confidential, thorough and gives a personal angle on care and self-help that you may not get from the medical community.Parkinsons Foundation Helpline specialists help people with PD, caregivers and healthcare providers navigate every aspect of Parkinsons, offering emotional support, sharing current PD-related medical information and guiding callers to local resources. The Helpline is available at (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636) or helpline@parkinson.org. Patient Safety Kit The Aware in Care hospital kit protects, prepares and empowers people with Parkinsons before, during and after a hospital visit. It contains tools and information to share with hospital staff during a planned or emergency hospital visit.Parkinsons Foundation Expert Briefings offer first-hand access to Parkinsons research and care leaders. Each free, hour-long online seminar offers practical tips for managing PD from experts.Podcasts Episodes on medication delivery methods, exercise, clinical trials and nutrition.PD Conversations A forum for those going through similar experiences, with subgroups for newly diagnosed, symptoms, caregiving, espaol and others.Bookstore: A large collection of Parkinsons disease publications to order (many free) or download on PD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and ways to live well.PD Library provides a free search engine that lets you search broadly or narrow your search to specific topics and is certain to turn up a wealth of sources.Physical Therapist or TrainerYoull want a specialist who knows the particulars of Parkinsons Disease. Physical therapy can achieve remarkable results if your therapist has a comprehensive program for you. Johns Hopkins Medicine lists all of the following:Amplitude Training This is generally repeated exercise in which you make exaggerated, "big" physical movements, like high steps and arm swings. The goal is to counteract hyperkinesia, or the small shuffling movements common to PD. Similar "big" exercises may be done for the voice.Reciprocal Training Reciprocal means equal movement on both sides, like swinging your arms while you walk, which Parkinsons can affect. A recumbent bicycle or elliptical machine may be useful, but without machine assistance, just walking with a focus on the arm swing is very effective. So are dancing and tai chi.Balance and Gait Let your therapist guide you to improve balance and confidence in walking. The therapist will recognize the issues and give you specific ways to compensate.Stretching and Strength Stiff hips, hamstrings and calves are common to Parkinsons. Daily work with a trainer is recommended. Strength training is great for any senior to prevent muscle atrophy, but especially important for Parkinsons patients.Psychologist or CounselorWeve focused a lot on the physical aspects of Parkinsons, but the need for treating the mind and spirit is equally compelling. Some of the psychological challenges more apparent to caregivers and loved ones also have biomedical origins: dementia, hallucination and disorientation. Others are typical feelings of depression and anxiety that are aggravated and exaggerated by living with Parkinsons. Severe anxiety is common and may take the caregiver by surprise. A qualified therapist with a specialty in Parkinsons will be invaluable to both caregiver and patient. Consult your primary physician first for an assessment and referral.See: Tips for Daily Living: 6 Psychotherapy and Counseling Myths, Debunked on parkinson.org.Purposefully Designed Living SpaceAdapting your home for living with Parkinsons can seem daunting if you try to do everything at once. It may be advisable to begin in the early stages and gradually modify your living space with features you know youll need eventually. Johns Hopkins provides a succinct list of essential adaptations, by no means exhaustive, but certainly bases youll want to cover:Overall Safety smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential on every floor. You should avoid space heaters and electric blankets, which can be fire hazards.Communication Ease Easy-to-reach phones with oversized buttons and a voice amplifier are smart additions, along with a list of emergency numbers.Adaptive Products Your therapist can recommend assistive living devices to help with simple tasks that may become progressively more challenging: pen grips, reach-and-grab devices, canes and a walker or wheelchair.Safer Living Areas   Handrails along walls and stairs are essential. Furniture should be arranged to allow more freedom of movement and escape routes from enclosed areas.Adapted Kitchen Switch foods and beverages to smaller, easier-to-handle containers. Consider special easy-to-grip forks and spoons, a lowered countertop and generally wheelchair-level access.Bed and Bath Bedrails and grab bars on the bath are useful, and clear a path between the bed and bathroom, with a nighlight for both. Showers are better than tubs for getting in and out.Residences Designed for Senior LivingThis is where a purposefully designed residence relieves many seniors in need of assisted living  of the hassle of converting the home to a more mobility-friendly place. A well-designed senior living residence will have wider halls without sharp corners to make for unobstructed navigation. Apartments will already be fully equipped with emergency call systems, and bathrooms, bedrooms and storage built for easy access on walkers.Generally, senior health is the focus of an Assisted Living and Memory Care residence like those of Legend Senior Living. So, residents often neednt hire separate caregivers or home nursing for the particular demands of Parkinsons. Family members find it much easier to visit and dine with their loved ones. As purposefully designed as the residence is, so are the activities that promote movement and mental stimulation. Residents find a vibrant social life, which aids greatly in dealing with depression and anxiety. Emergency assistance is right on the other side of the door at all times. Many find that such a residence can address all the challenges of living Parkinsons at once and that they can spend their days focusing on the high quality of life possible when body, mind and spirit are well cared for.