Thursday, February 24, 2011

National Healthy Heart Month Finale

To commemorate the final week of National Healthy Heart month, First Care of New York has written a series of blogs and articles concerning the heart and raising awareness, while providing information and tips to strengthen one of your most powerful organs in the human body. All of our clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens areas, with varying types of heart illnesses or heart related conditions, have received this information through our many different aides. Most of these ailments have distinctive causes and require different treatments, our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services help our clients on the road to recovery with a variety of needs that are vital to helping a person regain their health and strength. In the first part, we spoke about what our heart does, and what causes heart failure. We then discussed 7 signs of an impending heart attack that are often overlooked: what they were, the methods to prevent them and their different effects on gender. This blog asks a different question. I want to protect my heart, what foods can I eat that will help me accomplish this goal? Last week, you read about foods 10-6, so this week we finish our month-long post for National Healthy Heart month with the top 5 as written by health.com


Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. "Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health."

Legumes

Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber.

Spinach

Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost. The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%.

Flaxseed

Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast.

Soy

Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.

Our aides are very good and are capable of preparing meals and dishes with these kinds of ingredients and measures that will help you retain your health and strengthen your heart as we give you first class service. We at First Care of New York are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens Areas.