Your heart is a strong muscle that pumps lifesaving blood and nutrients to all the parts of your body. It is located in the upper left side of your chest and is about the size of small fist. (When it comes to the heart as a muscle, the saying “has a big heart” is usually not a good thing.) The heart has 2 sides and 4 chambers. The right side of the heart receives the “used” blood from the body then pumps it to the lungs to get re-oxygenated. The left side of the heart is the side that pumps the “good” blood to all the parts of the body.

Unfortunately, aging can cause changes to the heart and blood vessels within our bodies. For example: the heart cannot beat as fast as when you were younger, fatty deposits or plaque build up inside our vessels, arteries become stiff or the heart chambers become enlarged causing the heart to fill more slowly.

Yes, age and genetics can play a small role in heart disease but your lifestyle choices play a much greater role in heart health. Here are a few examples of lifestyle choices you can make to improve your heart function:

• Be more active
• Don’t smoke or quit smoking
• Reduce eating trans-fat or saturated fats
• Eat nutrient dense foods not “empty calorie” foods
• Maintain a healthy weight and BMI
• Manage your stress

You can learn more about your heart and how to keep it working, by joining me February 24 in the O’Donnell room. (Reservations are necessary. Call 259-4681)

Mark your calendars

• February 16th: 9 am-11 am Hearing Aid Tune Up. (All times slots taken)
• February 24th: Heart Health- seating is limited. Call to reserve a seat 259-4681
• March 2nd – Toenail care clinic. By reservation only. Call for details. (414) 259-4681
• March 9th: Covid-19 Booster day.
• March 16th: 9 am-11 am Hearing Aid Tune Up. By appointment only 259-4681
• April 8, 22 & May 6: 10 am-12 noon - Mind Over Matter – for women experiencing bowel & bladder issues. By reservation only, call 259-4681.

Time for some “Bad Dad” jokes

1. What did the mama cow say to the calf? - “It’s pasture bedtime”
2. What is a penguins’ favorite aunt? - “Aunt Arctica”
3. What do you call hot dogs at the North Pole? - "Chilly Dogs"
4. What could happen to you at a seafood disco? - "You might pull a “mussel” while dancing."