Sodium intake is directly related to high blood pressure. If you lower the amount of sodium that is ingested daily, you can also lower blood pressure. Many seniors do not realize the amount of sodium that is in foods they typically eat. Being aware of sodium content is one way to battle high blood pressure. Below is a list that contains some useful tips and facts about sodium that Home Health Dallas thinks all seniors should know and practice.

1. The government passed regulation to label products differently. Anything with more than 480 mg will be labeled as high in sodium.

2. When you reduce sodium intake, you will notice foods taste differently. Do not give up. In a short time, your taste buds will adjust!

3. Do not cut out sodium completely. The body does require some intake. For adults, the minimum amount is 200-500mg/day. Those with high blood pressure should not exceed 1500mg/day.

4. Lower intake by reading food labels and being aware of sodium contents, make records of daily sodium intake, change some eating habits and find low-sodium alternatives to what you normally eat.

5. When dining out, eat from the salad bar and avoid soups and sauces. Also ask for a low-sodium menu.

6. Read labels. Manufacturers are required to tell you how much sodium is in a product based on a serving size. Look at the serving size and then at how much sodium is in each size.

7. Keep in mind that many of your medications may contain sodium. Check with your doctor for tips on how to lower sodium intake. Also remember that tap water contains sodium as well, so try to drink bottled or filtered water.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Health Senior Care Dallas - Your elderly loved one prefers to live at home and our CAREGivers are trained to help them remain safe and healthy at home. Call us at 972-239-3934.

High blood pressure is a common ailment, but it can be very serious. It often leads to other health problems. Lowering blood pressure is one way to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many seniors are now trying to lower their blood pressure by making simple changes at home.

Home Health Care Dallas wants to remind all seniors that they should consult their doctor before making any  drastic changes to their diet and exercise. The following tips however are a good starting place for anyone looking to lower blood pressure.

1. Reduce sodium intake. Daily intake for seniors or anyone over 50 should be less than 2,300 mg per day. Take the saltshaker off the table and try to eat foods that are low in sodium.

2. Change cooking habits and do not use salt. There are other ways to get great flavor when cooking. Use herbs and spices and avoid using bullion and prepared sauces. They contain high amounts of sodium. When dining out, ask for food to be prepared without salt or request a low sodium menu.

3. Check the medications you are currently taking. Many of them do contain sodium. Talk to your doctor about adding an aspirin to your daily regime. This can reduce chances of stroke and heart attack.

4. Reduce stress, add some exercise and quit smoking. All of these will lower your blood pressure. Losing a few pounds will also be beneficial.

5. If you can, monitor your blood pressure at home. If these changes do not work, you may have to ask for a prescription medication. Doctors will also suggest increasing your potassium intake.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Health Senior Care Dallas - Your elderly loved one prefers to live at home and our CAREGivers are trained to help them remain safe and healthy at home. Call us at 972-239-3934.

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - Your elderly loved one prefers to live at home and our CAREGivers are trained to help them remain safe and healthy at home. Call us at 972-239-3934.

WEAR RED DAY (1st Friday) of this month

This is the day when people are encouraged to wear red to show their support for heart disease awareness in women. The Red Dress is the national symbol and it helps alert women about their personal risk factors for heart disease. To learn more, visit goredforwomen.org.

A Home Instead CAREGiver can help clients transition home from the hospital if they’ve had a heart attack. Oftentimes their doctor limits what activities they can do around the house - a CAREGiver can help with laundry and other light housekeeping. They may also be weak, so it’s good to have someone around.

If clients haven’t had a heart attack CAREGivers can help prevent one by assisting with a walk around the block, transporting them to an exercise class or trying a new activity. A CAREGiver can also remind them to take their cholesterol, blood pressure or other vital medication, or plan and prepare nutritious, heart-healthy meals.

The Red Dress is a trademark of DHHS.

Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute;
National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services