Palmetto Health celebrates February as National Heart Month

February 2, 2016

Community events held throughout the month

 

COLUMBIA, SC – The statistics are alarming. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.3 million deaths per year, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030. National trends show that one in five Americans suffer some form of cardiovascular disease; in South Carolina that number is one in four. Stroke was the second-leading global cause of death behind heart disease in 2013, accounting for 11.8 percent of total deaths worldwide. In addition, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Although the statistics make the situation seem bleak. Community members can control many of the factors that affect their heart health. The American Heart Association gauges the cardiovascular health of the nation by tracking seven key health factors and behaviors that increase risks for heart disease and stroke called “Life’s Simple 7 which include not smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, body weight and control of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. To remind the community to stay heart-healthy and provide more information on how to improve their heart-health,” Palmetto Health offers a variety of heart education programs. Here’s the list for February:

Palmetto Health will sponsor the “Love Your Heart” health fair, Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, noon-6 p.m. at Columbiana Mall outside of Belk. The health fair will feature free blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) screenings, free health information, a prize wheel, children’s activities and more.

 

The complete list of activities feature several forums centered on heart health:

Feb. 2: Don’t eat your heart out! Tips for a heart healthy diet

Lisa Akly, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation dietitian for Palmetto Health Heart Hospital, for this enlightening and delicious overview of heart-healthy food selections. She’ll discuss types of fats, the benefits of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, plus the hazards of salt and added sugars. This forum will be Tuesday, Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 2: Heart failure: a survival guide

Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalizations. As its prevalence has grown, so has the need for changes in the methods of treatment. Cardiologist Patrick J. McCann, M.D., will speak about the causes and symptoms of heart failure plus the latest solutions for survival, including left ventricular assist devices. This event will be Tuesday, Feb. 2, noon-1 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor.

 

Feb. 6-7: “Love Your Heart” health fair

Love Your Heart” health fair will be Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, noon-6 p.m. at Columbiana Mall outside of Belk. The health fair will feature free blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) screenings, free health information, a prize wheel, children’s activities and more.

 

Feb. 8: Atrial fibrillation: what does it mean?

Atrial fibrillation (or AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and, if left unchecked, it can lead to stroke. Cardiac Electrophysiologist Sultan M. Siddique, M.D., will speak about solutions to this abnormal heart disease. This event will beMonday, Feb. 8, noon-1 p.m at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor

 

Feb. 10: Sleep until your heart is content!

Pulmonologist Antoinette Williams Rutherford, M.D., will teach you what is the right amount of sleep, the negative effects of sleep deprivation and the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease. This event will be Wednesday, Feb. 10, noon-1 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor.

 

Feb. 10: Like a fine wine: tips for aging optimally

Join Geriatrician Tobin R. Moss, M.D., for a seminar that focuses on how nutrition changes as we age, the exercise our bodies need and the effects of stress on aging. This event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 11: Women and heart health

Heart disease symptoms in women are often under-reported or undiagnosed. Cardiologist Meghan Businaro, D.O., will speak about women’s risk of heart disease. This event takes place at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 15: Atrial fibrillation: what does it mean?

Atrial fibrillation (or AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and, if left unchecked, it can lead to stroke. Cardiac Electrophysiologist Sultan M. Siddique, M.D., will speak about solutions to this abnormal heart disease. This event will beMonday, Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 17: Severe aortic stenosis

What you may think are the normal signs of aging (fatigue, dizziness, short of breath) could be signs of aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic heart valve which typically occurs in those 75 and older. Fortunately, a new, less invasive treatment option is available—transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Attend our seminar, led by cardiologist Matthew Cantrell, M.D., to learn more. This event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 18: Don’t eat your heart out! Tips for a heart healthy diet

Lisa Akly, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation dietitian for Palmetto Health Heart Hospital, for this enlightening and delicious overview of heart-healthy food selections. She’ll discuss types of fats, the benefits of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, plus the hazards of salt and added sugars. This forum will be Thursday, Feb. 18, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor.

 

Feb. 22: Women and heart health

Heart disease symptoms in women are often under-reported or undiagnosed. Cardiologist Meghan Businaro, D.O., will speak about women’s risk of heart disease. This event takes place Monday, Feb. 22, noon-1 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor.

 

Feb. 23: Heart failure: a survival guide

Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalizations. As its prevalence has grown, so has the need for changes in the methods of treatment. Cardiologist Patrick J. McCann, M.D., will speak about the causes and symptoms of heart failure plus the latest solutions for survival, including left ventricular assist devices. This event will be Tuesday, Feb. 23,6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 24: Like a fine wine: tips for aging optimally

Join Geriatrician Tobin R. Moss, M.D., for a seminar that focuses on how nutrition changes as we age, the exercise our bodies need and the effects of stress on aging. This event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 24, noon-1 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St., Ground Floor.

 

Feb. 25: How to manage stress and make the most of your time

This seminar will cover the basics of stress and how it affects your body, your mind and your performance. Psychiatric nurse Rachel Bush will discuss the warning signs of stress, how to best respond to stress, and ways to productively manage stress. Spa esthetician Kimberly LeNoir will share how Healing Waters services can help you reduce stress and stimulate healing. Attendees will also receive a gift from Healing Waters. This event takes place Thursday, Feb. 5, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Birch Room, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

Feb. 29: Sleep until your heart is content!

Pulmonologist Antoinette Williams Rutherford, M.D., will teach you what is the right amount of sleep, the negative effects of sleep deprivation and the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease. This event will be Monday, Feb. 29, 6-7 p.m. at Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, 400 Palmetto Health Pkwy.

 

For more information, visit our website at www.PalmettoHealth.org/HeartHospital.