Weekly Health Tips

HEART DISEASE
The heart is as essential to our survival as any organ in the human body can be. Heart health is one of the most important keys to a quality life and good overall physical condition. The month of February recognizes heart health in an effort to promote awareness of this critical measure. With heart disease being the #1 killer in America it is key that we understand how to maintain a healthy heart and offset the likelihood of contracting the symptoms that lead to heart failure.

As 2020 comes to a close, we could not be prouder of our dedicated Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) members and friends. This year was no small feat. Together, we learned to navigate an unprecedented pandemic that endangered our country’s health and disrupted our economy. Yet, despite our losses, we remain steadfast, hopeful, and resilient this holiday season. 

One of the best ways to manage your overall health is to do small things to first manage your stress and nutrition. As this year has been full of new normals, adjustments, and uncertainty, there is plenty of stress to go around. Thankfully, today, managing your stress can be done in several ways in the comfort of your home. 

Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults

Loneliness and social isolation are often mistaken as passing emotions that self-correct over time, but this is not always the case. Aging experts found that the impact of chronic loneliness and social isolation can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and deem it a public health epidemic. According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of mental health conditions like depression and cognitive impairment, and physical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. The impact is even greater in older adults in the United States as nearly half (46%) of the senior population struggles with social isolation.