Seniors often do not realize the amount of sodium they ingest each day. It is important to know how much sodium is in the foods that are eaten. Since sodium is associated with high blood pressure, this has become a growing concern in the senior population. Below is a list of tips and facts that Home Care Austin thinks all seniors should implement into their lives to help lower daily intakes of sodium.
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.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Seniors who lead an inactive life are at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Exercise can make a huge difference in over-all health and it can drastically reduce the chances of developing heart disease. By implementing an exercise routine into daily life, seniors will improve their health and lower their heart disease risks. Below is a list containing the benefits of exercise and some tips for developing an exercise program.
Before making changes to a diet or adding exercise, Home care Austin wants to remind all seniors that they should always talk to their doctors first. Be sure to ask about medications, the ability to lift heavy objects and what exercises are safe for you.
1. Exercise can help circulation and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. It also lowers blood pressure, improves muscle tone and strength, boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.
2. Stretching exercises lengthen the muscles, preparing them for activity. It will reduce the chance of injury and muscle strain.
3. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and will greatly improve the use of oxygen in the body.
4. Try to implement a walking program to start. Then you can move to jogging, biking or water aerobics.
5. An exercise session should last between 20 and 30 minutes to provide the best benefits for the body and over-all health. Exercise every day or every other day for the best results.
If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Seniors often do not realize the amount of sodium they ingest each day. It is important to know how much sodium is in the foods that are eaten. Since sodium is associated with high blood pressure, this has become a growing concern in the senior population. Below is a list of tips and facts that Home Care Austin thinks all seniors should implement into their lives to help lower daily intakes of sodium.