The hardest working muscle in the body is your heart.  The human heart can beat up to 3.5 billion times in a lifetime and pumps out 2 ounces of blood at every heartbeat, adding up to at least 2,500 gallons daily.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  But the good news is that most heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

1. Follow a Mediterranean Diet.  Follow a Mediterranean diet that emphasizes eating foods like fish, fruits, veggies, beans, high fiber grains and olive oils.  Limit salt and sodium intake.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise Regularly. Being overweight can increase your risk for heart disease.  Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.  Aim for a half hour of moderate exercise 4-5 times a week.
3. Monitor your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels.  High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.  You should have your cholesterol level checked at least once every 5 years.
4. Don’t Smoke and limit your Alcohol intake.  Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease.  Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure.  Men should stick to no more than 2 drinks per day and women, no more than one.
5. Practice Stress Reduction.  Working on managing your stress levels.  Find fun things to do that you enjoy.  Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, try deep breathing and yoga or pilates, watch a funny movie or listen to some relaxing music.

At The Regency Assisted Living in Glen Cove, NY, our residents enjoy a comprehensive recreation program which includes exercise programs, educational seminars on Nutrition for Seniors and special activities with Chef Pat to raise awareness and promote healthy diets. Each February, The Regency celebrates Healthy Heart Week with a full week of exciting heart-centered activities. Last year, Regency Chef Pat Marone, whipped up some of his mouthwatering turkey bolognese with peas, mushrooms and whole grain pasta for a delicious Cooking Light for Seniors demonstration. Everyone is looking forward to seeing what delicious meal he will come up with this year.
We have an exciting schedule planned for Healthy Heart Week 2014 (February 10th-14th), so be sure to visit www.theregencyatglencove.com or Like Us on Facebook for information about our special events.