Care your heart in the lock-down days; All you need to know

The Covid lock-down has changed most of our lifestyle and habits. Now that the lock-down is easing in many parts of the world, again the life habits are being changed. In this rapidly changing and stressful context, we must take care of our heart-health. Moreover, the Covid-19 infection gets worse, if the lungs are also infected. If that person is a heart patient, then the odds of a recovery is rather distant.

Thus, it has become crucial for people to step up and follow certain measures to ensure safety and good health during this time. Along with the guidelines stated by WHO (World Health Organization), there are also some habits that people should adopt, in order to maintain their heart care and overall fitness level.

Eating a healthy meal

While it can be easy to slip into a habit of snacking on junk food while at home, it is important to make sure one eats a well-balanced meal. Heart patients need to be doubly careful about their eating habits in order to avoid further complications during this time. A regular meal should be packed with nutrients, carbohydrates and vitamins. One should also focus on incorporating nuts, seeds, red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, along with turmeric and garlic into their diet. Care must also be taken to avoid processed sugar, and switch to foods that contain natural sugars. Heart patients should avoid oily/deep fried and spicy foods.

Continue prescribed meditation

Those with pre-diagnosed heart issues should routinely follow their prescription of medication for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, angina and others, as recommended by their medical consultant. They should be complacent with following these medical protocols under any condition, unless the doctor advices otherwise. It is advised that such patients should be in touch with their medical consultant on phone, WhatsApp, text or other mediums for heart care.

Take home check-ups

As heart patients cannot go for regular check-ups during this time, it is important for them to follow guidelines to monitor their health at home. Regular monitoring of their sugar and blood pressure (by a home BP machine) should be done and the results should be updated with the treating doctor, to ensure their health is kept under control.

Moderate exercises

Exercising at least 5 days a week is ideal as it keeps the metabolism running. One should eat a light fruit or some nuts before exercise and breathing practices should be followed. One should also avoid sitting for long hours as it affects the body negatively by creating a build-up of stress in the joints, along with development of clotting in the leg veins. These can lead to clots in the lungs and other health problems. The best way to avoid this is to stay active by walking around the house and doing chores.

Get enough sleep and water

As one is spending extended time at home, it becomes easy to be tempted to stay in bed all day long, and take longer naps. But it is imperative that they focus on regularizing their sleep schedule and get the adequate amount of sleep required. Sleeping for too long can have negative effects on the body, which includes a heightened desire to consume excess sugary and salty foods, which can lead to further health complications. One should also stay adequately hydrated by drinking at least 8-9 glasses of water every day. This helps the body flush out toxins and maintains an efficient flow of blood in the body.