February is known as the month of love and romance. It’s also Heart Health Month, which brings attention and awareness to this all-important muscle.
No matter what Valentine’s Day plans you have, you should show your love not just to others, but to yourself by prioritizing heart health! Celebrate Heart Health Month with Kingsway by taking care of your heart.
Healthy Diet
Like any good date night, you should consider what’s on your plate.
For good heart health, try to eat foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients. These can help support the heart in numerous ways, from directly energizing the heart to reducing blood pressure and plaque build up. Produce, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products are some go-to choices to supporting the heart. Meanwhile, too much sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol can do more harm than good.
At Kingsway, our residents enjoy chef-prepared meals designed to nourish the body and support heart health. Paul Canale, our Director of Dining Services and Corporate Executive Chef, has decades of experience balancing taste with well-rounded meals for our residents. And unlike a single date night, this service is offered all year round for our residents. (Think of it as treating your heart to a well-deserved meal!)
Fitness
Sharing hobbies can strengthen any relationship, and that includes the relationship you have with your heart. One of the best hobbies to take up is exercise. Any kind of exercise helps, and every little bit that you do adds up.
Regular exercise is key to heart health. Every type of exercise provides some kind of benefit for your heart; aerobic workouts improve blood circulation, strength training provides cholesterol management, and flexibility exercises improves overall mobility and balance. If you don’t know where to start, look for ways to add more movement to your daily activities and chores. A good starting point is to sit less; stand up or walk around to take a break from sitting.
Kingsway makes staying active convenient, with fitness programs, walking groups, and wellness classes designed for all ability levels. We have a range of spaces on our campus to keep options plentiful, including fitness rooms, several walking clubs, and even some golf greens! Residents can enjoy movement in a social and supportive environment, making these heart-improving activities feel like a fun and rewarding part of daily life.
Social Connections
While “you and me against the world” might sound romantic, research shows that strong social ties play a crucial role in heart health. Loneliness has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, while staying socially active helps reduce stress (both physical and mental) and encourages healthy habits.
At Kingsway, residents have endless opportunities to connect—whether through group activities, social events, or simply enjoying time with neighbors. We regularly host large events for our residents and their families, including concerts and crafting lessons. (We post information and RSVP details on our News and Event page.) The built-in community makes it easy to form friendships and stay engaged, leading to better emotional and physical well-being.
Start Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
Like romance, it’s never too late to improve your heart health. Small changes can have a lasting impact.
At Kingsway, we help our residents live their healthiest, happiest lives through our continuum of care, heart-healthy lifestyle options, and a vibrant community. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more, reach out to us today. Your heart will thank you!