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Health is a matter of heart - information you can use to stay healthy
February is heart health month - and it’s a good time to remember some key tools you can use to ensure you have a happy, healthy heart all year long.
For some insight on maintaining a healthy heart, Trisha Bahr, director of rehab services with Aegis Therapies, answered a few questions.
Q: Why is heart health important?
Our heart is the most vital organ in our body and living a heart healthy life is vital to achieving a long and healthy lifestyle.
Q: What are some of the best ways to keep your heart healthy?
- Eat healthy
- Stay active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Alcohol in moderation
- Keep Cholesterol in a normal range.
- Manage stress
Q: What if I've not been in good health, had an injury, or otherwise lost the ability to be active - how can I restore my heart health?
It is important despite your physical abilities to watch what you eat. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water. If you are unable to participate in exercise programs on land, including walking or stationary bike, try aquatic exercises or swimming. Any activity for 30 minutes a day is better than nothing at all.
Q: Are there cautionary measures that should be taken if I begin some activity?
You should never start a new exercise program without consulting your physician first. If you are unsure of where to start, seek advice from another professional like a Physical Therapist or trainer at your local gym.
Q: What resources does Aegis Therapies offer at Aberdeen Village?
Aegis Therapies provides the Therapy services for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy to all residents who live at Aberdeen Village. We have six full-time Therapists at Aberdeen Village. We provide the instructor for the Aquatics exercise classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings as well. If you are ever unsure if you would benefit from Therapy please give us a call, we could set up a time for a Free Screen to determine the best plan of action for your needs at that time.
Try these delicious and heart healthy recipes during Heart Health Month
With attention turning to Heart Health Month this February, we want to share two, heart healthy recipes from our wonderful dining team here at Aberdeen Village.
Teriyaki Salmon
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoons fresh garlic
- 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
Directions
Mix sesame oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame seeds, ground mustard, ginger, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Set aside 1/2 cup of marinade for basting.
Pour remaining marinade into a resalable plastic bag and place salmon into the marinade. Squeeze air out of the bag, seal, and marinate the salmon steaks for at least 1 hour (2 hours for better flavor). Drain and discard used marinade.
Set oven rack about 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Place salmon steaks into a broiler pan and broil for 5 minutes.
Spinach Salad
- 8 oz. of fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup diced gala apples
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup of raspberry vinaigrette
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apples, raisins, almonds, blue cheese and dressing. Fold in the strawberries just before serving.
Served in a cold bowl with a green leaf garnish
