For Resident Services Coordinator Ellie, the entire month of February revolves around heart health. As the American Heart Association (AHA) celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, Ellie has been planning and hosting heart-health-themed programming for residents at 12th & River and Eagle Senior Village, two Mercy Housing communities where she leads resident services programming.

“I am very fortunate that one of my best friends, LeAnn, is a cardiac nurse,” Ellie shared. “She does heart workshops, which the residents love because she breaks down all the common terms (COPD, heart disease, signs of a heart attack, etc.…) related to our hearts.”

LeAnn knows how difficult it is to feel overwhelmed when understanding medical terms and diagnoses, so she leaves plenty of time for residents to ask questions. Ellie emphasized, “So many residents don’t quite understand what their doctors tell them or the information slips away once they’re back home.”

The heart health programs have also resulted in a greater sense of community. “They have evolved to be similar to support groups,” Ellie said. Residents are all asking questions and listening to the answers together.” Through these conversations, these senior residents realize that they have many things in common, and knowing that there is someone else in the community who may be going through the same thing has helped build trust and friendships.

12th & River resident Pam shared, “I came away with a renewed appreciation and gratitude for how hard my heart works every day… 24/7 for 82+ years. It is quite amazing!”

“Souper” Lunch

Ellie also introduced “Super Lunch,” a monthly lunch program for residents to gather and make healthy recipes. “Every month is something different,” Ellie explained. “One month, I made a soup, and we sat to share the meal.” Residents who attend the lunches take home a printed recipe, making cooking healthy meals in their kitchens easier.

But a healthy heart requires more than just a balanced diet. Ellie also encourages residents to track their sleep, hydration, exercise (20 minutes a day), and other wellness goals. She makes it a point to make things fun for residents as they focus on their health – getting their friends and neighbors to join the Healthy Heart movement, which includes four weekly challenges for residents to meet. For example, schedule a doctor’s appointment for an annual physical, get a friend involved, make a heart-healthy snack, call your neighbors, and invite them to join the movement. At the end of the month, Ellie rewards residents who have consistently logged their progress.

Pam added, “I have changed my eating habits, cutting my sugar consumption by 80% by rarely eating desserts and not drinking sodas. “I also eat mainly protein and vegetables, thus reducing my carb intake.”

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it is also preventable. It is also known that the Social Determinants of Health (SODH), the conditions in the environments where people live, play a significant role in their health and well-being. With so much to learn, Ellie shares packets with the information she receives directly from the AHA with residents. For instance, one packet might highlight the benefits of exercise for heart health, while another could provide a chart for tracking family health history.

Spreading the Love

Looking ahead, Ellie has planned a Valentine’s Day brunch and soup celebration and will continue to develop programs that empower residents to live their healthiest lives.

“Becoming empowered means that I am taking responsibility for my health by paying attention to how I eat, exercise, sleep, and manage my stress levels and mental health,” Pam explained. “No matter how much I’ve already learned about maintaining and supporting my good health, there is always much more to master.