FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.
It’s important to know the risk factors for heart disease; the major factors are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. According to the CDC, other factors include diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet.
Know your numbers
Do you know your cholesterol level? How about your blood pressure? These numbers help provide a clearer picture of your overall health and risk factors for heart disease. Your physician or health care team can check your cholesterol and blood pressure. Based on your results, they will advise you of the next steps to take and how often you should have blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.
Healthier food choices
Eating a diet that is high in saturated fats and trans fats (which may be found in fried foods, some baked goods and snack foods) can raise your cholesterol and your risk for heart disease. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, which can also increase your risk for heart disease. Many highly processed foods such as packaged snacks and instant products are high in sodium as well as some canned vegetables and breads. Be sure to check nutrition labels for saturated fat, trans fats and sodium content. Consider swapping foods such as French fries, pastries or chips for healthier options as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The Nutrition Program at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) offers nutritional counseling and dietician services for those in need of nutrition assistance or resources. Learn more by visiting ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition.
Stay active
A lack of physical activity can increase your risk of heart disease. Exercise can help you maintain mobility, strength and balance. According to the CDC, older adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This could be 30 minutes of walking or cycling at least five days a week. You could even exercise in two, 15-minute sessions over the course of a day. Your doctor or health care team can recommend the best exercises for you.
Don’t smoke
If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. For information and resources on how to quit smoking, visit the American Heart Association’s web page https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/help-i-want-to-quit-smoking
Volunteer
Research shows that volunteering is beneficial to your health. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and boosts your social connection to others. It can also help increase physical activity and reduce stress.
Looking to help others and contribute to your community while realizing the health benefits of volunteering? Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting OCES’ volunteer web page, ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities.
Sources:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/index.html
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-older-adults/index.html
Points of Light. https://www.pointsoflight.org/blog/volunteering-improves-your-mental-and-emotional-health/
Recent News
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.
JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service
On January 20th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.
Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality Manager
Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a Berkley, MA resident, has been promoted to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Quality Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton, MA.
OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families this Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper
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Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT Award
Richard J. (Rick) Alvarnaz recently received the 2024 IMPACT Award. Previously from Raynham, and now a Brockton resident, Rick has been a staff member of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) for 25 years.
Full Article Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT Award
DECEMBER ARTICLE: Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season
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Something else that makes holidays special are delicious meals and sweet treats! It can be challenging to avoid overindulging during the holidays, especially if there are festive gatherings or events that involve a lot of food.
Full Article DECEMBER ARTICLE: Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season
Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Local Caregivers During National Caregiver Month
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored local caregivers with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Caregiver Month in November.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Local Caregivers During National Caregiver Month
Community Options Ep. 305 Healthy Eating on a Budget
In Episode 305 of Community Options:
Today we have one guest from OCES (Old Colony Elder Services).
• Amanda Heintzelman, Registered Dietician
She discusses budget friendly ways to eat healthy.
OCES is located at 144 Main St in Brockton and the phone # there is 508-584-1561. You can also visit the website at ocesma.org. OCES helps individuals age gracefully by providing a variety of information, referrals as well as services to support them in remaining independent in their homes and in the community.
Full Article Community Options Ep. 305 Healthy Eating on a Budget
Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization Certification
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, is proud to announce that they have recently been certified as a Women Non-profit Organization (WNPO) by the Massachusetts' Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization Certification
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Full Article OCES to celebrate the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event