Care for your family by caring for your heart

February is American Heart Month — a time for us all to think about keeping our hearts as healthy as possible. Heart health is an important goal: according to the American Heart Association, heart disease accounts for nearly 801,000 deaths in the U.S., every year — that’s about 1 of every 3 deaths. As parents, it’s not always easy to take the time to be heart-healthy, especially when caring for a sick child. But making small changes can have a big impact on your ability to remain healthy and strong — and at your very best to care for a sick child. Take charge of your diet Spending time in the hospital can challenge anyone’s healthy eating habits. The cost of eating out, a lack of healthy fast-food choices and stress eating can all work against healthy intentions. But with a little planning, you can make healthier choices. Select fresh foods, such as a salad or fruits, whenever possible. Choose protein-rich foods such as yogurt, eggs, cheese or hummus to avoid drops in blood sugar levels. Stay hydrated by refilling a water bottle and avoiding soda. Stock up on easy-to-eat snacks that can stave off cravings and keep you going all day. Find ways to de-stress Stress — a major risk factor for heart disease — is difficult to avoid when your child is in the hospital. Exercise is a great way to stay healthy and reduce stress, yet it might feel impossible when your child is confined to a hospital bed. Look for creative ways to stay active during the hospital stay. A...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Source Type: news