It sure is chilly outside, but we get a warm, fuzzy feeling in our hearts this month thinking about all of our LOVE-ly clients and caregivers. This month is all about putting LOVE in your heart…and also giving your heart a little love!

Preventing Heart Disease

February is heart health month and we know how important heart health is for seniors. Heart disease is one of the most prevalent and dangerous diseases in America, but luckily there are ways to give heart disease the shove and your heart the love! One of the best things you can do to show your heart you care is to get moving! Did you know that in some cases, exercise can be as helpful to your heart as certain medications?

There are so many benefits of exercising:

• Lowers your blood pressure
• Lowers cholesterol
• Lowers risk of diabetes
• Improves your mood and happiness

Strengthening your muscles actually allows them to do their job better, taking stress off your heart, getting your blood pumping more easily, and delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Particularly when combined with a healthy diet, physical activity might be one of the healthiest things you can do for your heart and your whole body.

Challenges Faced with Exercising

We know it can be difficult for our seniors to get the exercise they need, especially in these cold, snowy months when you may not be able to simply pop out for a quick walk! So we’ve put together a list of ideas for local exercise opportunities for our seniors.

Local Exercise Opportunities for Seniors

1. The Arlington Heights Senior Center. 847-797-5341, 1801 W Central Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, offers a variety of fitness classes every day just for seniors! They have methods such as yoga and Zumba, that can be tailored to your abilities by being taught standing or in a chair. The Arlington Athletic Club is also located inside the senior center, where you can learn how to exercise with their equipment and then visit on your own time. A combined membership is available to get the best of both worlds!
2. The Arlington Heights Parks Department. 847-577-3000, The more daring of our seniors may be interested in trying water fitness available all year round in indoor pools! This facility offers a certified Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, designed specifically for people with Arthritis or other limited mobility, as well as an open swim for seniors.
3. Northwest Community Hospital Wellness Center. 847-618-3500, 800 W Central Rd, Arlington Heights, 60005, also offers a gym membership and a variety of fitness classes, including aquatics classes for people with Multiple Sclerosis and arthritis, and for arthritis prevention and a variety of mobility levels. To learn specifically about the aquatics programs, contact Elizabeth Worthey at 847-618-3665.
4. Silver Sneakers. Do you have a medicare advantage plan? If you do, you may be able to take fitness classes for free with the Silver Sneakers fitness program. There are several nearby locations that offer classes from Silver Sneakers instructors. Click the link to find out if you are eligible!
5. The Lattof YMCA of Metro Chicago. 847-296-3376, Located in Des Plaines at 300 E Northwest Highway, Des Plaines, 60016, offers fitness classes exclusively for seniors.
6. The Frisbie Senior Center. 847-768-5944, at 52 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016, has a fitness center accessible with an annual membership, as well as a couple fitness classes each week available to members and non-members.

Importance of Exercise in the Winter

The important thing is to just keep moving! In the winter, going for a stroll inside in a mall, such as Woodfield in Schaumburg, is a nice way to go for a walk with an interesting view. There are so many shops and people to look at! If you can’t get out, just walking around your house or in the halls of your apartment building are good ways to stretch your legs.

Or if you’re in the mood, throw on some music and dance a little bit. Music can be a wonderful inspiration for movement. Always remember to be safe and exercise within your limits. If you need to take a break, take a break. If you need to hold on to something for balance, make sure have what you need.

Exercise is possible (and important!) for all ages and levels of mobility. So get out there and spread the love everywhere this month…especially to your own heart!

Need Extra Help?

If you or your loved one needs an extra helping hand to get around town, contact Assisting Hands Home Care at (847) 462-4402 in Arlington Heights, IL and we’ll set you up with a free consultation to meet with a caregiver.