February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and focus on heart health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart disease, making heart-healthy choices, having regular check-ups, and working with your physician to manage your health are all ways that can help prevent heart disease.
In the U.S., the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease. Essentially, plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries which causes them to narrow over time. This affects the blood flow to the heart and can lead to a heart attack. According to the CDC, key risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. Other conditions or behaviors that may affect the risk for heart disease include diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.
A healthy lifestyle goes a long way to preventing heart disease:
Stay active. Get moving for at least 150 minutes per week. Consider incorporating physical activity such as walking or cycling for 30 minutes a day into your routine. You could even break up the 30 minutes into 10-minute blocks over the course of a day.
Manage conditions. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions such as diabetes, it is important that you work with your health care team to manage these conditions.
Eat healthy. An unhealthy diet high in sodium can put you at risk for high blood pressure. A diet high in saturated fat can contribute to high cholesterol. Both increase the risk for heart disease. Good nutrition counts. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are among the healthy food choices recommended.
Did you know? Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Nutrition Program provides older adults with nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. OCES' Community Dining sites provide hot, nutritious meals to adults age 60+. Meals are planned by a nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not include high sodium foods and no salt is added. Older adults who are unable to attend a Community Dining site, or who are unable to prepare nutritious meals at home may benefit from receiving home- delivered meals through Meals on Wheels (MOW). These meals are also planned by a Registered Dietitian. Therapeutic meals are available including chopped, ground, pureed, renal, low lactose and cardiac types for individuals requiring special diets.
Another lifestyle change that can help you control your heart health? If you smoke, programs are available to help you quit.
Even making small changes in your habits can make a difference. For example, starting out small with 10 minutes a day of physical activity. It is never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/
American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular- disease/coronary-artery-disease
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
Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items this holiday season.
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
The holiday season is upon us. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing memories make the holidays truly special.
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
OCES to celebrate the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event
In celebration of the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event, OCES Nutrition Program participates in the campaign to support local older adults through Meals on Wheels. OCES’ Nutrition Program provides 543,835 meals a year to Plymouth County and the surrounding communities.
Full Article OCES to celebrate the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event