Doctors dedicate their lives to providing the best care possible for their patients, but what happens when you’re not around? Even when you’re not actively providing treatment, you can promote your patients’ health by encouraging them to take care of themselves in their daily lives. Heart health is a huge issue in the United States, especially among older citizens. You can help combat the problem by raising awareness and educating everyone who comes into your practice on the importance of taking care of the heart. Help your older patients lead healthier, richer lifestyles with this guide on how to promote heart health in seniors.
Build an Exercise Routine
Regular exercise is a vital part of your general well-being, but it’s especially beneficial to the heart. Senior patients should aim for at least 30 minutes of light exercise most days of the week. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, and swimming, are an excellent way to promote heart health. Seniors should also focus on activities that build muscle strength. Work with your patients to come up with a healthy, safe, and attainable workout routine. You don’t need to prescribe complex exercises. Instead, focus on activities that are simple and easy to perform at home with little or no extra equipment. This will make it easier to establish a routine that your patients can actually stick to and benefit from.
Educate Patients on Risk Factors
Our lives are full of many unhealthy or dangerous foods, hobbies, and vices. It’s important to have a serious conversation with your patients about the activities and substances that can damage a healthy heart. You can outfit your facility with posters or flyers about the dangers of smoking or drinking excessively. You might also work with your patients to find healthier alternatives to their current diet, such as switching out excess amounts of coffee for green or black tea. A huge part of promoting heart health in seniors is providing the right information. The more your patients know about the causes of heart problems, the better chance they have of avoiding these risks and building a better, healthier lifestyle.
Start the Conversation bout Heart Health
Patients are often reluctant to admit they have a problem or even research more about health issues. Talking about heart health can be stressful or overwhelming, especially as you get older. It’s up to doctors to start a conversation and be honest and direct about your patients’ health. Make sure your patient has the resources and information they need to take care of themselves and take the necessary steps when problems do arise. Speak openly about problems you’re noticing in your patient, how to test for and diagnose heart issues, and what kinds of treatment options your patient can pursue. Starting these conversations helps to build a better patient-doctor relationship, making it easier for you to identify problems and provide the best care for your patient, no matter what health issues arise.
