50+ Lifestyles

Your Advocacy Connection

By Naomi Ballard
GolderCare Solutions
Marketing and Communications

Stress Prevention for Heart Health

February is recognized as American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that half of Americans are currently considered at risk for heart disease, and that figure continues to rise.

While there are risk factors that contribute to heart disease that you can’t control, there are numerous ways you can maintain your heart health. One of those ways is to reduce your stress. Having too much stress for too long is bad for your heart, effects your sleep, weakens your immune system and leads to poor mental health.

At GolderCare, we meet many clients that have increased stress due to their responsibilities for a spouse, parent or loved one. Bearing the weight of decisions such as costly care, living situations, medical treatments and their loved one’s personal happiness, can ultimately cause unbearable stress on your own lives.
We often see a spouse managing the care of their husband or wife, inadvertently taking on so much stress that ultimately, they become in-need of medical care themselves. Also common is the premature aging in an otherwise youthful middle-aged family member. While they have the best of intentions to do their part for a parent or loved one, it’s more than they can handle alone. The motto “care for yourself so you can care for others” is more important than ever when you enter a stage of life with a family member facing long-term care or aging decisions.

If the care of a loved one is taking a toll on you and becoming a burden more than you can manage alone, know that it’s ok to wave a flag for help. Consider seeking the professional assistance of a senior advocate such as GolderCare. Resources and help are available. No one should feel alone in their long-term care journey. No one should feel that they have to “google” their way through decision-making. Or worse, receive bad advice that can cause more stress when you make an irreversible decision that has a major impact on your next planning steps.

Peace of mind is priceless. Being heart healthy by managing your stress is the best way for you to care for yourself, so you can best care for those you love. Taking unnecessary worry away can lead to more room for optimism and gratitude. With more optimism, your experience as a caregiver or family member will be more rewarding, less exhausting and keep you focused on your goals of being there for the one you love.

GolderCare Solutions is an independent advocacy group for seniors, the disabled and those that care for them. GolderCare has offices in Moline and Bettendorf. You can reach GolderCare at (309) 764-2273 or learn more at www.goldercare.com.