Celebrate American Heart Month with Legacy Home Health Care

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but small lifestyle changes can make a big impact. This February, Legacy Home Health Care encourages you to take steps toward a healthier heart by focusing on simple, sustainable habits.

A Happy Heart is a Healthier Heart

Strong relationships contribute to overall well-being, including heart health. Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, or community members who motivate you to maintain healthy habits. Studies show that having a strong support system can lead to better health outcomes, reduced stress, and a longer life.

Simple Steps Have Lasting Impact

  • Move More: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week, to improve circulation and strengthen your heart. Walking, stretching, and dancing are great ways to stay active. Team up with a friend, join a virtual exercise class, or take advantage of Florida’s year-round warm weather for outdoor walks. If needed, indoor walking can be just as effective. Physical Therapy services are available to help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.
  • Eat Smart: Choose heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce sodium and added sugars while increasing fiber intake. Sharing nutritious meals with loved ones can make healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable. Legacy’s Hypertension Pathway to Independence can assist patients in establishing healthy eating habits and strategies for reducing sodium intake, promoting heart health and effective hypertension management.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even a small weight loss of 5–10% can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress on the heart. Find an accountability partner to stay on track with regular check-ins and goal-setting.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and other heart-related issues. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones can also promote a sense of calm and well-being.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can lead to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Reduce screen time before bed, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

Take Action Today

Small steps lead to lasting changes. Whether it’s incorporating more movement into your day, eating nutritious meals, or managing stress effectively, every effort counts. Legacy Home Health Care is here to support you in your journey to better heart health.

For patients already managing heart disease, Legacy Home Health Care offers a comprehensive Cardiac Rehab Pathway designed to support recovery and enhance quality of life. This program is beneficial for individuals who have experienced events such as a recent heart attack, stent placement, heart failure, heart transplant, coronary bypass surgery, heart valve replacement, or angina. Our approach includes collaborative efforts with physical therapists to gradually build strength and endurance, educational programs emphasizing the importance of a heart-healthy diet, medication education and monitoring, and guidance on energy management to optimize overall health and well-being.

Learn how we can help you achieve a healthier heart and overall improved lifestyle at www.legacyhhc.biz.