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12 Months to a Healthier Heart

It’s never too late to do something good 

by Susan Kammeraad-Campbell 
Business Development and Marketing Communications 
Even if your New Year’s resolution to exercise more and lose weight evaporated like so many bubbles in a champagne glass, fear not. Today is not too late to begin. The important thing is to make the commitment, get started and stick with it.

The program “12 Months to a Healthier Heart” brings together the resources of the Medical University of South Carolina, the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and Johnson and Wales University to help you improve and maintain heart and vascular fitness. It’s about eating better, exercising more and knowing the latest in health information and resources.

Tens of thousands of Americans die every year from heart attacks not even knowing they had a problem. What’s more, if you live in South Carolina, your likelihood of dying of a heart attack or stroke is higher than in almost any other state.

It’s important to know your risk of heart disease and stroke. One way to help you gauge your risk is to log on to MUSChealth.com and use the free on-line interactive “Heart Risk Assessment” tool. It only takes a few minutes to answer the questions and your risk will be confidentially tallied and immediately shared with you.

Through screening tools and non-invasive diagnostics, you can accurately determine your heart health. Cardiac scoring is an option available on-site at MUSC to access calcium levels in your heart. High levels of calcium could mean you have a blockage in one or more arteries in your heart. Blockages cause heart attacks. The test is simple, painless and only takes about a half an hour. Results are returned within 48 hours. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for cardiac scoring, contact the MUSC Heart and Vascular Center at 792-1616.

You can avoid heart disease or even reverse its effects by making simple changes in your diet and exercise habits. Many local fitness centers will personalize an exercise program following an evaluation. The MUSC Wellness Center can also provide this service upon referral by your physician. The fitness assessment includes a health questionnaire and tests of cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition. Results are used to make fitness program recommendations. Call 792-6611 for more information.

Each month is packed with activities and events designed to improve your heart health. Log on to http://www.MUSChealth.com for a complete listing including cooking classes, health screenings, recreational activities, speakers and more. With a click of the mouse, you have access to heart-healthy recipes with nutrition information, exercise logs, event calendars, related Web site links and more.

You can also call MUSC’s Heart and Vascular Center at 792-1616 to request a free copy of MUSC’s new “Care for Your Heart Nutrition Guide.” The booklet will help you determine a healthy weight and your individual calorie needs using a chart that outlines the number of daily servings and the amount of fat and saturated fat participants will need to meet weight and calorie goals.

Upcoming heart events
July 18, 6-7:30 p.m. “Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet,” a free talk by MUSC registered dietitian Lisa Giles, at the MUSC Wellness Center Auditorium. 

July 25, 6-7:30 p.m. “The Latest Medical Advances for Treating Heart Disease,” a free talk by MUSC cardiologist Christopher Nielsen, M.D., at Park Place Assisted Living. 

Aug. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. “Practical Ways to De-Stress Your Heart,” a free talk by MUSC occupational therapist Mary Beth Brock, at the MUSC Wellness Center Auditorium. 

Aug. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. “Women and Heart Disease: Facts That Can Save Your Life,” a free talk by MUSC cardiologist Terry O’Brien, M.D., at Park Place Assisted Living.

Sept. 12, 6-7:30 p.m. “Don’t Eat Your Heart Out: Low Fat Meal Planning,” a free talk by MUSC registered dietitian Audra Raus, at the MUSC Wellness Center Auditorium.

*Call 792-1616 to register for any of the events.

Editor's note: The article is reprinted from Checkup newsletter, produced by MUSC Business Development and Marketing Communications. 

Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.