Love Your Heart This February: Supporting Heart Health at Home in Epping Forest
February isn’t just about Valentine’s cards and chocolates. It’s also Heart Month, a campaign led by the British Heart Foundation to spotlight how everyday habits and local support can boost heart health. For older adults in the Epping Forest district, simple routines, social connection, and the right kind of support at home really do make a difference.
Whether someone is living with a long-term heart condition, recovering from illness, or simply focused on staying well, building good habits and staying connected can strengthen heart health day by day.
Heart Health and Ageing: Why It Matters
As we age, our heart and circulatory system naturally change, increasing risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Supporting heart health doesn’t have to mean drastic changes. It can involve making consistent choices such as regular movement, balanced meals, hydration, and medication management.
A steady daily rhythm and supportive companionship can also reduce stress and help older adults feel more confident and secure at home.
Simple Ways to Support Heart Health at Home
Supporting heart health at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Practical steps include:
- Gentle daily movement, such as short walks
- Balanced meals with plenty of water
- Medication reminders and GP appointment support
- A steady daily rhythm to reduce stress and fatigue
- Social connection and meaningful conversation
Care Professionals can also help clients attend local wellbeing sessions, community activities, or gentle walking groups that support both physical and emotional health.
Local Heart Health Services & Support
Across the Epping Forest district, there are several heart-friendly services and activities to explore:
Health Screens & Lifestyle Support
NHS Health Checks
Adults aged 40–74 without a diagnosed heart condition are eligible for a free NHS Health Check, which assesses blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle risk factors – key steps in spotting heart-related issues early.
For personalised support to increase physical activity and manage long-term health conditions, services such as the Essex Wellbeing Service provide guidance and local referrals.
Community Walking & Activity Groups
Getting moving in nature is one of the best things for heart health and Epping Forest’s green spaces make that easy:
– City of London Epping Forest health walks offer free, led community walks of different lengths through woodland and open space – perfect for gentle activity and socialising.
– Local Ramblers group walks bring people together to explore routes and enjoy regular walking in and around the forest.
– The Lifewalks health walk series runs weekly walking options across the district for people wanting to stay active at their pace.
Local Active Partnerships
Find Your Active Epping Forest helps residents of all ages find and participate in local physical activities, including walking, park-based exercise, and community-led initiatives that support wellbeing.
Community and Social Connections
Staying socially connected supports emotional well-being and helps reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on heart health. In Epping Forest, we support connection through a range of regular, local social activities, including:
– Memory Lane Café
A relaxed social café with refreshments, quizzes, music, and conversation, offering a welcoming space for people to connect and feel supported.
– Singing for the Brain sessions
Music-based social sessions that encourage engagement, lift mood, and bring people together in a positive, supportive environment.
– Seasonal community events
Including tea dances and themed social gatherings that encourage gentle movement, shared enjoyment, and social interaction. Check out our What’s on Where Guide.
Care Professionals can also support clients to attend these activities and feel confident taking part, helping maintain routine, connection, and overall well-being.
Signs That Extra Support Might Help
Spotting changes early can help maintain comfort and reduce risk. Consider extra support if a loved one experiences:
- Persistent tiredness or breathlessness
- Changes in appetite or activity
- Trouble managing medications or routines
- Reduced confidence getting out and about
Encourage them to talk with their GP and explore supports that can help maintain safety and wellbeing at home.
How Home Care Supports Heart Health & Well-Being
Home care can complement other supports by helping with:
– Healthy routines and medication reminders
– Encouragement with gentle activity and outdoor walks
– Support to attend appointments, health checks, or local activities
– Companionship that reduces isolation and boosts emotional wellbeing
To find out more, enquire today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Heart Month?
Heart Month is a February health awareness initiative led by the British Heart Foundation, highlighting simple ways lifestyle and community support can protect heart health.
Q2: Can home care help someone with a heart condition?
Yes. Home care can support daily routines, medication reminders, gentle activity, and help clients attend GP appointments or local heart-healthy events.
Q3: Are there heart-friendly activities in Epping Forest?
Yes. Local health walks, social groups, and physical activity initiatives make it easy to stay active and connected.