Show notes
February is Heart Health Month, and this episode is designed to educate and encourage family caregivers to take care of their cardiovascular health. This is our first look at an issue in the physical wellness portion of our simple wellness wheel. I share a story about my grandmother and my mom, who suffered from cardiovascular issues after experiencing stress over many years as a caregiver. The statistics on caregiver stress leading to cardiac issues are not in our favor. I offer several helpful tip sheets for caregivers, prepared by the American Heart Association, along with my 3 M’s of Heart Health – Mindset, Movement and Moderation. Our Bible touchpoint is from Matthew Resources:· My favorite simple wellness wheel, https://www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org/2017/09/20/balancing-your-wellness-wheel/· Helpful tips for caregivers from the AHA, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/caregiver-support/top-10-caregiver-tips-for-staying-healthy-and-active· More simple tips from the AHA, https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Answers-by-Heart/How-Should-I-Care-for-Myself-as-a-Caregiver.pdf· Signs of heart attack and stroke in women, https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women· Abide Meditations, https://abide.co/· Today’s Bible verse, Matthew 11:28-29, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A28-29&version=NIVTakeaways:· The stress inherent in family caregiving can cause damage to the cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.· There are things we can do to maintain heart health and decrease the likelihood that we will experience heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.· Mindset is important. Try morning meditation and deep breathing. Focus on your accomplishments and blessings, not your problems and worries. Take mini breaks throughout the day. Limit your screen time to improve your outlook.· Movement can be as simple as walking regularly for exercise. Strength and stretch exercises are also important.· Moderation around food and drink is key. More water and whole foods. Less processed foods, white flour and white sugar. We can enjoy our favorite things in moderation.· Christ offers us rest from the stress of family caregiving.Let’s Connect:Facebook: Lori SchlosserInstagram: @lorischlosserspeaksWebsite: lorischlosser.com