Mind your body during Heart Month

Originally published February 15, 2015

Candy hearts printed with messages. Heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Roses, balloons, cards and decorations with a heart motif.

February brings Valentine’s Day. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), February is American Heart Month.

In keeping with the “heart” theme, the CDC asks us to become educated on the early warning signs of heart disease, and to take measures to become heart healthy.

Simple steps such as reducing calorie intake, moving more and quitting smoking are great starts to heart health. Learning your “numbers” is another.

Local hospitals are offering free or reduced cost “heart health” checkup packages; educational sessions and other bonuses.

Palos Community Hospital

Karin Saltanovitz, a spokeswoman for Palos Community Hospital, 12251 S. 80th Ave., Palos Heights, said the hospital is hosting seminars about heart-healthy meals and heart disease.

“Travel the Mediterranean for Heart Healthy Eats” is a free presentation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Registered dietitian Jan Dowell will explain benefits of a heart-healthy diet and how it can help with weight management and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Research shows that following Mediterranean diet principles is a healthier way of eating and may help lower the risk of heart disease. They include minimal consumption of red meat, sugar and saturated fat, with a diet also high in produce, nuts and whole grains.

Dr. Marlon Everett, a cardiologist, discusses heart disease (the No. 1 killer in the United States) during a free presentation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Risk factors, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking, can be managed by lifestyle changes and medication. Everett will discuss how to take control of your heart health, provide warning signs and explain when to consult a physician along with treatment options. These programs will be in the Hospital Auditorium. For more information or to register, visit http://www.paloscommunityhospital.org/news/2015/heart-month-2015.

Silver Cross Hospital

“We encourage area residents to pamper themselves and their loved ones this Valentine’s Day by getting a ‘Keep Your Heart Running Smoothly’ cardiac screening,” Silver Cross spokeswoman Karen Helman said.

Both Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and the Silver Cross Health Center in Homer Glen are offering this screening.

Those who schedule an appointment for a baseline cardiac risk assessment during February will receive a heart-healthy smoothie with a keepsake cup; a discount I-Matter card to be used at more than 100 local businesses, plus a chance to win a NutriBullet, which is a food processor that breaks down ingredients into their most nutritious state, according to nutribullet.com.

A baseline package ($40) includes an evaluation of your history and lifestyle; screenings for total cholesterol (HDL/LDL levels), blood glucose level, triglyceride level, blood pressure and body fat; and a 12-lead EKG.

Afterward, you will receive a personal phone consultation with a registered cardiac nurse to review results and answer any questions you may have concerning your heart health.

Call (815) 300-7076 and mention “smoothie” when scheduling your appointment, or visit http://www.silvercross.org/our-services/other-services/cardiology/heart-screenings.

Orland Township

Total lipid profile tests will be administered starting at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at the Orland Township Activity Center.

For $25, Orland Township residents ($30/nonresidents) may have total cholesterol levels read, as well as triglycerides. A 9- to 12-hour fast is required, but participants should drink water prior to the test. During testing, a free blood pressure assessment is available, and glucose testing is available for an additional $5 ($10 for nonresidents).

Wellness Wednesday begins at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 25. This occurs the fourth Wednesday each month at the Orland Township Activity Center. Appointments are necessary by calling (708) 403-4222.

Orland Township residents can have free screenings for their blood pressure. Glucose level screenings are $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. The price is the same for basic cholesterol screenings. A 9- to 12-hour fast is required. All tests are checked by a registered medical professional.

From 9 to 11 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month, Orland Township will host free blood pressure screenings with no appointment necessary. The next one is Feb. 20.

What more can you do?

How about taking a free CPR class? Orland Township is offering such classes for adults beginning at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Orland Township office, 14807 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. The classes are led by instructors from the Orland Fire Protection District and certificates will be distributed upon completion. These classes teach you the required skills and also give you the confidence to “take charge in a medical emergency.” Registration is required by calling (708) 403-4222. Visit http://www.orlandfire.org for information on other levels of CPR education and certification.

Caitlin McElroy, the health services coordinator for Orland Township, reminds us to be cognizant of the location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in buildings and meeting spots. These portable units can diagnose and treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies through defibrillation – electrical pulses that re-establish heart rhythm.

“We have a high number of seniors visiting our building (Senior Services), so we have three AEDs readily available,” McElroy said.

She suggests finding out where units are located in other large facilities, too.

Here’s to your heart health!