Know your numbers: 
Knowing the numbers that impact your heart is an important step toward healthy living. Here’s a quick overview of the numbers you need to know and your goals. Be sure to talk to your doctor to see how your current numbers measure up.
- Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL
- HDL (good) cholesterol 50 mg/dL or higher
- LDL (bad) cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
- Triglycerides 150 mg/dL
- Blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Body Mass Index less than 25 kg/m2
- Waist circumference less than 35 in.
Keep moving:
The older we get, the trickier exercise can be. But it’s still very important to make physical activity a top priority in your life. If exercise is new to you, start slow and talk to your doctor for suggestions on the types of exercise or workouts that you can explore. If working out has never been your thing, that’s okay; walking, even short brisk walks for as little as 10 minutes throughout the day, can provide enough physical activity to keep your heart in shape. Your goal should be to get 40 minutes of exercise three to four times per week. Light weight lifting, water aerobics and yoga are all great exercises for seniors.
To learn more about Heart Health Month and controlling blood pressure, click here.
BrightStar Care of West Portland proudly provides Home Health Care and Support for Seniors and Children, including 24 hour In Home Care and Support in independent and assisted living communities. At BrightStar Care, our Registered Nurse Director of Nursing leads experienced, trustworthy, compassionate caregivers who provide a full range of services in the comfort and safety of home. Our Caregivers are fully screened, insured and bonded, certified and/or licensed. We provide Medical Staffing, In-Home Care, Companion Care, and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers. We Support Veterans and accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, provide Hospice Care, Live-in Care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LPN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. We are an ALS Society partner and Alzheimer's Association member, and also provide care for developmentally disabled individuals and those of all ages with mental health and behavioral health diagnoses. Other services include Safe Discharge and Transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, both short term and long term Post Op care, Pre Operation and Preparation help and assistance, and Client Monitoring for out of town family members. Proudly serving Gaston, Newberg, Portland, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Cornelius, Wilsonville, West Linn, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and Beaverton in OR.