September 29th is World Heart Day as created and promoted by the World Heart Federation (WHF) https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day. And, as the finest providers of post-surgery rehabilitation in Swansea, IL, we at Mercy Rehab wanted to take note.
About The World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation’s website explains that the organization helps people achieve a better and longer life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke. People throughout the St Louis Metro East, know that when searching for the best cardiac rehab near me, Mercy Rehab is the obvious choice.
In observation of World Heart Day, Mercy Rehab wanted to call your heart to your attention and ask you to consider ways you can take good care of it. And in doing so, we thought we would pass along some of the recommendations of the World Heart Federation and a few of our own.
Caring For Your Heart Health
Eat Healthy
It’s important to remember that what we eat not only fuels our body, but it is processed into our body and it either makes us stronger or weaker. There is a wealth of dietary information out there with conflicting information. But suffice it to say that nutrient rich plants are generally a solid foundation for your diet. Lean meats in moderation make good sense. Stay away from processed foods and sugars.
Be Active
If you don’t already have one, start an exercise program. Even simple exercise training such as walking or riding a bicycle daily can make a big difference. If it’s too cold to go outside or if safety is an issue, consider purchasing (and using!) a stationary bike.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight, and specifically Body Mass Index (BMI) is often an indicator of the condition of what’s “under the hood” in terms of the American heart. There is a strong correlation between being overweight and having a heart condition that could lead ultimately to heart failure.
Again, there is a lot of information on the web about how to get to a weight that is optimal for heart health. The important factors seem to be exercise and diet.
Don’t Smoke (Don’t Be Around Those Who Do)
One of the largest risk factors for heart problems has been long established. If you smoke, stop. If you don’t, don’t start. Smokers find themselves much more likely to end up in heart surgery than nearly every other risk factor.
Monitor Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Regular doctor visits are key to keeping an eye on your numbers. It’s important to discuss your overall health and diagnostic tests run routinely to be sure that your heart rate is where it is supposed to be as well as your cholesterol levels and triglycerides and other key indicators.
Manage Stress
It’s important to build a lifestyle with stress relief built into it. Regular, slightly strenuous exercise is excellent to raise the threshold of what your body can handle and to build in resilience and strength for your cardiovascular system as well as your body’s other systems. A good workout can make you feel better in the present, can help you sleep better, can help you maintain a well-balanced appetite and much more.
Cardiac Rehab Programs For Post Op Recovery
The doctors, nurses and therapists who make up the Mercy Rehab team are some of the most highly skilled and caring individuals in the St Louis Metro East area. If you or someone you love is recovering from a heart attack or from heart surgery, we invite you to consider rehabilitation at Mercy Rehab in Swansea, Illinois.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs require specialized care teams, qualified doctors and registered nurses along with peripheral staff to ensure that you stay on track with your recovery and rehabilitation trajectory once you leave the hospital.
The serene, peaceful surroundings in which Mercy Rehabilitation is located, along with our attractive facility and expert staff are focused on getting you or your loved one back to being the best you can be.
The Finest Skilled Nursing Homes in IL
Mercy Rehab & Care Center is a conveniently-located rehabilitation center and nursing home near Belleville, Illinois. We serve the skilled nursing and therapy needs of the St Louis area including Belleville, Illinois, Swansea, Illinois, Millstadt, Edwardsville, O’Fallon, Shiloh and other towns in Southern Illinois.
We provide skilled nursing, all types of therapy including physical therapy for those recovering from injuries, strokes, surgery. We’re located near Belleville Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL, Memorial East Hospital in Shiloh, Illinois, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, St Louis University Hospital in St Louis, Missouri and other area hospitals.