You called your mom on Tuesday and she told you a story about her neighbor's new dog. On Thursday, she told you the exact same story — same details, same enthusiasm — as if the conversation had never happened.
When your parent is living with a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes, every day brings a long list of must-dos: medications taken on time, blood sugar or blood pressure checks, the right meals in the right portions, and regular exercise. If you're managing all of this from a distance — or even from across town — you know how quickly things can slip through the cracks.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults over 65 in the United States. But here's the encouraging news: many of the factors that contribute to cardiovascular problems are things we can actually influence — through better nutrition, regular movement, stress management, and staying socially connected.