Heart healthy living! Helping my dad (and my whole family, really!) make some major changes!

[Vermillion]

My dad just got out of the hospital after a being in for a week for heart issues. He was not in good shape when he went in there! He went in to the E.R. feeling like crud and they found that he had fluid around his heart and lungs, congestive heart failure, tests showing that he had a recent heart attack, high BP, high-ish blood sugar, all kinds of crappy issues They ended up putting 3 stents in, luckily avoiding bypass surgery for now.

He's on a bunch of medication now to control his various issues, and was told to make some big time lifestyle changes! This crap runs in both sides of my family, so this is lifestyle stuff that I want us all to follow. We live in a multi-generational household, and since I usually follow a healthy diet for myself, son , & DH... I am now also in control of the food that comes in the house for my dad as well! And thankfully he is willing to start eating the things I fix Like I said, I'm a big proponent of healthy eating, but I still could definitely do better! Even though I eat mostly healthy, I like my salt and my treats which need to go! My BP likes to get high during times of stress and when I don't work out like I should, & I definitely could stand to lose some weight that's been creeping up due to the hormonal issues I've battled over the last few years, so this is a major wake up call for me to really get with it!

So, yeah. That's where we're at. Hit me with all of your good advice and tips please!

[sophiesgrandma]

Have your dad ask the MD if he can begin an exercise program. Exercise is important for the entire family.

Lots of fresh veggies and fruits. That should be the majority of your diet. Lots of fish especially wild salmon. Portion control for pasta, rice and bread. Only whole wheat and whole grain for the breads, pastas and use only brown rice. Broccoli and cabbage and cauliflower. Spinach and Kale. Apples, oranges, berries. Beans are great for heart health. Olive oil. Fish oil supplements.

No sugar or white flour except once in a great while. Sardines, tofu, edamame are all great. Nuts are great for snacks. Walnuts are great for the heart.

My dh had stents installed a few years ago and he is doing fine with a good diet and exercise 6 days a week. I follow the same program to stay healthy.