In the U.S., around 90 people have a heart attack each hour. The three biggest risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. If your mom or dad has been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s time to look at his or her diet.
Things You Should Cut
-Meals with saturated fat, high levels of sugar, and sodium should be avoided. Processed meats like pepperoni, ham, and canned chicken are not ideal. Beef and pork should be eaten for special occasions only.
-Toss out packaged foods. Potato chips, cookies, freezer meals, canned soups, and canned pasta aren’t great options. Saturated fat is part of it, but they also typically have an excessive amount of sodium and added sugar.
-Learn to read labels carefully. Whole grain spaghetti is fine, but the sauce you’re serving with it may contain a lot of added sugar. Despite what some manufacturers believe, the added sugar really isn’t necessary.
-If you have time, make your own. Use canned diced tomatoes that don’t have added salt and add them to chopped onions, carrots, capers, and garlic that have been sauteed in olive oil. Add fresh basil and black pepper a few minutes before serving.
Things to Add
-No matter what your health is, fruits and vegetables and whole grains should be the focus of meals and snacks. Incorporate fruits or vegetables into everything you serve. Try to get all the colors each day. Start the morning off with blueberries or red raspberries in oatmeal. Have vegetables with a homemade yogurt dip for a snack. Have greens at lunch. For dinner, serve whole wheat pasta with roasted butternut squash, red peppers, sage, and walnuts.
-Diet isn’t always the factor, but it’s worth looking at. You also need to talk to your parent’s doctor to find out what the doctor advised. It’s likely your parent has been told to avoid too much stress, get enough exercise, and take medications each day. If you’re not sure your mom or dad will follow the doctor’s orders, hire home care professionals to help.
-Elderly care is one way to help your parent keep on track. Caregivers can cook meals that your parent’s doctor recommended. Caregivers can drive your mom or dad to appointments, remind them to take medications, and join them on daily walks. Call an elderly care agency to discuss the care your parent needs after a heart disease diagnosis.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Homecare in Gainesville, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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