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Cholesterol & its relation to heart disease H
igh cholesterol levels have long been directly linked to heart disease. But as more research into cholesterol and its relation to heart disease is conducted, some doctors are shifting their views on the relationship between the two. Statistics from the American Heart Association indicate that 75 million Americans currently suffer from heart disease. And even though one-quarter of the population takes cholesterol-lowering medication and have reduced the fat content of their diets, the AHA estimates that more Americans will die of heart disease than ever before. More revelations are coming to the forefront regarding cholesterol and heart disease. New research has shown that statin drugs are ineffective at reducing mortality rates in most populations. Furthermore, according to the Framingham Heart Study, which is the longest-running and most comprehensive study on heart disease to date, it was demonstrated that cholesterol intake in the diet had no correlation with heart disease.The study found that men and women with above average
cholesterol levels had nearly identical rates of heart disease compared to those with below average cholesterol rates. Another potential eye opener is that, in addition to cholesterol not affecting heart disease risk, eating high-cholesterol foods does not elevate blood-cholesterol levels as doctors once thought. Ancel Keys, who is considered the “father” of the theory that cholesterol contributes to heart disease, now says that there’s no connection between cholesterol in food and cholesterol in the blood. If not cholesterol levels and the foods one eats, what, then is responsible for heart disease? Many medical professionals and researchers now believe the primary causes of heart disease are inflammation and oxidative stress. According to Dr. Dwight Lundell, a heart surgeon and author of the book,“The Great Cholesterol Lie,” foods like refined sugars and vegetable oils used to preserve processed foods may lead to the inflammation that ultimately causes heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to a foreign invader. Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can exacerbate inflammation. Bacteria and other
unwanted substances in the body also contribute to inflammation. To combat inflammation, people can adopt a healthy eating style. Fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, fiber, and nuts can help reduce inflammation. Exercise also can reduce inflammation. Research from Mark Hamer, PhD, an epidemiologist at University College London, found that, regardless of BMI or weight, study participants who completed 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week — about 20 minutes a day — lowered their markers of inflammation by at least 12 percent. When a person exercises, muscle tissue releases a protein molecule called cytokine, which likely prompts an inflammation drop. Just about any type of workout that raises heart rate is effective in helping with inflammation. The public may have been misinformed about just how vital it is to reduce cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol may not have the same connection to heart disease as doctors once thought. In fact, inflammation may be the bigger component in heart disease risk.
Metro Creative Connections
The public may have been misinformed about just how vital it is to reduce cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol may not have the same connection to heart disease as doctors once thought.In fact,inflammation may be the bigger component in heart disease risk.
Living sm♥rt to protect your heart
When it comes to recognizing and responding to the signs of a heart attack, early action can make the difference between life and death. But action even earlier to improve lifestyle and eating habits can make a big difference, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 25 percent of all deaths each year in the United States can be attributed to heart disease, making it the single largest killer of both men and women. Taking a preventive approach and making healthy choices can help manage your risk for a heart attack and other forms of heart disease. ___________________________________ Visit www.PostShreddedWheat.com for more heart-healthy tips.
Help protect your heart with these healthy lifestyle tips from the CDC
MANAGE MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Certain diseases and health conditions are known to put you at greater risk for developing heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Follow your doctor’s guidance to gain control of any medical issues early on.
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU EAT. This means not only eating plenty of healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, but also reducing or eliminating less healthy options. Foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol. One good option to start your day right is whole grain cereal. In fact, according to a recent survey, nine out of 10 doctors would recommend Post Shredded Wheat as part of a low sodium, healthy diet to help maintain a healthy heart, reduce the risk of heart disease and support healthy blood pressure levels.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. Exceeding your ideal weight range for your height puts you at greater risk for heart disease. Check with your doctor to determine whether your weight is in a healthy range. This can generally be determined by calculating your body mass index (BMI). If you are in an overweight or obese range, seek help from nutrition specialists to establish an eating plan that works best for you.
GET MOVING. Exercise not only helps with managing your weight, it can also help with other problems, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. While adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise, at least five days a week, you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise plan.
ELIMINATE OR REDUCE UNHEALTHY HABITS. Smoking raises your risk of heart disease. If you are a smoker, a physician can assist you in finding a smoking cessation program for your needs, and many insurance companies now cover these treatments. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure, which in turn escalates your chances of heart disease.
Family Features
2 | POST-TRIB.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 • CUSTOM MEDIA SOLUTIONS | HEARTHEALTH | SPECIALSECTIONS.SUNTIMES.COM •
Franciscan Alliance hospitals offer advanced, potentially life-saving blood clot treatment
Hearts of hope: Janice Ryba, CEO of St. Mary Medical Center, addresses those in attendance at last year’s Hearts of Hope event at the hospital.
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St. Mary Medical Center provides a Valentine gift opportunity straight from the heart This Valentine’s Day, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart has the perfect way for you to show your sweetheart how much you care. For each donation made toward cardiovascular research, the crimson lights on the Hearts of Hope tree will glow at St. Mary Medical Center during the month of February — National Heart Health month — as a salute to those who are dear to us. For the 11th consecutive year, the Hearts of Hope tree at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., will be decorated with lights that represent contributions made in honor of or in memory of someone who has filled our hearts with love and joy. A
light may be reserved in the name of a loved one for $5 each. Monies raised through donations will fund vitally needed research for heart disease. Donors and honorees are invited to the Hearts of Hope health fair and tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 (please use the west entrance). From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be blood pressure screenings and heart health information available. At 6 p.m. a brief, indoor tree-lighting ceremony will mark the occasion with an update on cardiovascular research by Medical Director of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at St. Mary Medical
Center Felix Gozo, MD, music and light refreshments. To participate in the program, Hearts of Hope donation forms are available by calling the hospital at (219) 947-6041; or print a form from the website by visiting www.comhs.org/heartsofhope and clicking on St. Mary Medical Center:Ways to Give: Cardiovascular Research. The Cardiovascular Research program at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System works to improve the heart health of the community through education and the advancement of knowledge from clinical trials and studies. Building upon Community Healthcare System’s vast experience in treating
heart disease, the hospitals are working to improve local access to new treatments options available only through research. These initiatives have made it possible for the system’s hospitals to participate in national research trials directed at better detection, treatments and the prevention of heart disease. For more information on cardiovascular research being conducted at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System: St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Community Hospital in Munster or St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, log onto www. comhs.org/heartsofhope/.
Provided by St. Mary Medical Center
Franciscan Alliance’s Northern Indiana Region hospitals offer the only Food and Drug Administration-cleared minimally invasive, endovascular treatment that significantly improves dissolution of deep vein and lung blood clots, while providing greatly reduced risks of complications and improved patient outcomes. The EKOS Ekosonic Endovascular System, which some term a potential lifesaver, is offered at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan HealthcareMunster. The system uses a combination of ultrasonic waves and lytic agents to gently dissolve clots through an infusion catheter, which is positioned via a small puncture in a leg vein directly into the clot, under x-ray guidance, according to the corporation. The ultrasound component offers more effective delivery of the tissue plasminogen activator, which dissolves the clot quicker and more effectively, using about one-fourth the normal dose. The risk of bleeding complications or vessel or valve damage is significantly low, compared to traditional methods. Once in place, the catheter transmits low-power, high-frequency sound waves into the clot, while simultaneously infusing it with a thrombolytic (dissolving drug). The ultrasonic energy loosens and thins the clot’s fibrin structure and accelerates the thrombolytic process. Acoustic pressure waves gently force the drug deep into the clot and behind small but vital venous valves to ensure complete clearing. Kevin Roesch, Franciscan Alliance regional director
F
of cardiovascular services, pointed out that pulmonary embolism can strike anyone, including people who are healthy and athletic, as well as the elderly. The equipment, he added, is being used successfully in hospital cardiac catheterization labs by interventional cardiologists and radiologists and by vascular surgeons. “This technology provides Franciscan Alliance hospitals with the means to treat patients who have blood clots that have formed in the vessels of the lungs, with stateof-the-art technology. Recent clinical studies have shown that patients can benefit from this treatment,” Roesch said. He added that by using the specialized ultrasound component of the system that infuses the dissolving medicine into the blood clot,“we are able to get the medicine deeper into the clot and get it to dissolve faster. This can relieve symptoms quicker and can decrease side effects, by using lower doses of the clot-dissolving medication.”
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Expert tips to protect your heart
Heart disease and stroke remain the two top killers of Americans, according to the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular-related incidents increase in winter for a number of reasons, including drops in temperature that constrict blood vessels, irregular workout routines, poor stress management and changing eating habits. “We tend to eat significantly more inflammation-promoting foods in the winter,” says Dr. Michael Roizen, founder of RealAge.com. “The combination of poor diet and other stressors can trigger plaque ruptures and cause chunks of fatty deposits lining arteries to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to more risk for heart attack and stroke.”
Stay active: Exercise promotes weight reduction and can help reduce blood pressure. Challenge your kids to a snowball fight.
| BRANDPOINT
Here are suggestions for keeping your heart healthy this winter: Maintain a healthy diet
Less than 1 percent of adults meet the American Heart Association’s definition for an “Ideal Healthy Diet,” which means the majority of people need to make some smarter nutrition decisions. Don’t overindulge on artery-clogging dishes, and instead focus on foods that contain key heart health nutrients, including: ■ Omega-3s DHA and EPA, found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, are essential fatty acids which have been shown to support healthy blood pressure and brain function. GOED (the Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3) recommends getting 250500mg of EPA and DHA per day through foods and supplements. ■ Vitamin D, found in mushrooms and added to soy and almond milks, has been shown to support heart health. Some research indicates that a vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for heart attacks, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and high blood pressure. Sunlight is the best natural source for vitamin D, but since people spend more time indoors during the winter, add foods that pack an added vitamin D punch, like soy milk fortified with the nutrient to the grocery list. ■ Beta-glucan, found in oats, is a plant-based sugar known to lower absorption of cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Research shows that consuming approximately 3mg per day of oat beta-glucan has a statistically
significant cholesterol lowering effect. For more information about nutrition for heart health, visit vitaminsinmotion.com. Even if you do follow a healthy diet, a busy lifestyle can make it difficult to obtain the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals from food alone. One simple way to enhance your diet is to look for foods fortified with key nutrients and nutritional supplements.
■
Stay active
Regular exercise has a favorable effect on many of the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For example, exercise promotes weight reduction and can help reduce blood pressure.Take the dog on a walk or challenge your kids to a snowball fight. Make it fun, but make sure it happens.
Keep warm
If you’re going outdoors in the cold, keep your mouth covered with a scarf so warm air hits your lungs first when you breathe in. For those who are traveling from a warm to a cold climate, pack warm gear, because some research suggests a dip in temperature from what you’re used to may increase your risk for stroke by 7 percent, and heart attack by 12 percent.
Relax
Relaxation can benefit stress levels. Finally, sticking to your normal sleep schedule is very important. Brandpoint
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Exercise tips your heart will love A regular exercise routine is an important component of heart health, yet less than onethird of Americans get the minimum 30 minutes of daily exercise five days a week, as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). Nationally, as many as 250,000 deaths annually are attributable to a lack of regular physical activity. While exercise is important for everyone, regular aerobic activity can be critical to ensuring healthier outcomes for cardiovascular patients. Even a little exercise goes a long way. “Just 5-10 minutes of daily running, even at very slow speeds, can significantly lower the risk of mortality among cardiovascular patients,” says Ed Dannemiller, a specialist pharmacist in the Express Scripts Cardiovascular Therapeutic Resource
Center.“Simply getting the recommended minimum amount of exercise can help reduce cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke by 30-40 percent.” Ed and his team counsel heart patients about the benefits of regular exercise in addition to following the medication regimen and other lifestyle changes. Regular exercise has many other benefits for your heart as well, including: strengthening the heart muscle, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, gaining better control of one’s blood sugar and maintaining bone strength. Exercise can also help heart patients lose weight and lead more active lives without chest pain. If you are considering starting an exercise regime, keep these precautions in mind to minimize your risks
and prevent an adverse reaction. ■ If you recently had a heart surgery or procedure, experience chest pain or shortness of breath, recently had a heart attack, or have diabetes you should consult a physician before beginning any exercise regimen. ■ If you are on beta blockers, anti-arrhythmic drugs and calcium channel blockers, you may have a reduced heart rate and may experience lower gains in heart rates when exercising. Medications such as the decongestant pseudoephedrine, antidepressants, and thyroid medications can increase exercise heart rate. It is important to know the right aerobic heart rate target to prevent overtraining or undertraining your heart if you are on any of these medications. ■ If you are a cardiovascular patient, high-intensity
Exercise: Regular aerobic activity can be critical to ensuring healthier outcomes for cardiovascular patients. | BRANDPOINT
exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups and heavy lifting may not be recommended for you, so it’s a good idea to first speak with your physician. ■ You may also need to avoid certain everyday activities that can overly affect the heart rate, such as raking, shoveling and mowing. ■ Walking, swimming and light jogging are good beginning exercises if you have a cardiovascular condition. But what if you’re already on a work-out schedule? Then keep these useful tips in mind: ■ Maintain a steady pace and rest between workouts. ■ Do not exercise outdoors in extremely humid, hot or cold temperatures. Extreme temps can make breathing difficult and cause chest pain. Try mall-walking instead. ■ In cold weather, cover your nose and mouth when exercising outside. ■ Stay hydrated by drinking water, even when you’re not feeling thirsty and especially on hot days. ■ Avoid overly cold/hot showers or sauna baths after exercise. ■ Avoid exercising in hilly areas because it may cause your heart to work too hard. Closely monitor your heart rate with your target rate in mind. ■ Stop exercising if you experience pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or excessive fatigue. Consult your physician. ■ Stop the activity in the event of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Check your pulse after 15 minutes of rest and consult your physician if the rate is still higher than 100120 beats per minute. A regular exercise routine, along with adherence to the medication regimen, can put you on the path toward better health. For more information, visit lab.express-scripts.com. Brandpoint
IT’S YOUR LIFE. YOUR HEALTH. TAKE CONTROL.
Methodist participates in global research to study heart attacks before they happen In the summer of 2013, Methodist Hospitals acquired the breakthrough Infraredx catheter technology to benefit patients with coronary artery disease. That technology, which uses both light and sound to examine blood vessels, gives cardiologists a much clearer view inside coronary arteries. “We already know that this newfound clarity helps us to determine whether a patient with chest pain will benefit from further therapy,” said Andre Artis, MD, a board certified Methodist Physician Group cardiologist, and co-director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Methodist Hospitals.“It has changed the way we treat our most vulnerable patients and assists us with angioplasty and stent procedures.” Now, Methodist Hospitals is participating in the Lipid-Rich Plaque (LRP) Research Study to determine if this technology can better predict future cardiac events. The LRP study will ultimately include 9,000 patients at100 hospitals in 10 countries. It is specifically aimed at discovering whether there is a link between the presence of LRP — a type of fatty coronary artery plaque — and an increased occurrence of a cardiac event, such as a heart attack So far, more than 40 Methodist Hospitals patients have agreed to participate in this study, making Methodist among the top three enrolling hospitals in the America. The results of this research study are expected to be published in about two years In a recent case, an
inconclusive angiogram prompted further examination of a pre-operative patient with low LDL cholesterol and no history of coronary artery disease. Using the Infraredx catheter technology, Dr. Artis found a large deposit of lipid core plaque, which is associated with most heart attacks. “As a result of this discovery, we were able to initiate statin and aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of an event during and after that patient surgery,” Artis said. Previous practices may not have adequately prevented such an event. But in this case, the Infraredx catheter technology enabled Methodist doctos to identify and monitor a plaque that was suspected to be vulnerable to rupture. In short, they effectively minimized this patient’s risk of heart attack. “Looking into a blood vessel through this catheter, we can clearly see the fat on the blood vessel wall,” Artis said.“We can assess how much fat there is, where it’s deposited, and the length of the blood vessel carrying the fat deposit.” “Methodist Hospitals is proud to be involved in a cutting-edge research effort that could advance our understanding and management of coronary artery disease,” Artis added. “That understanding will help inform our decision of how and when to use drugs and/or interventional treatments like angioplasty, and may lead to far reaching improvements in health, longevity and quality of life.”
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Seattle Sutton success story:
NorthShore helps you take control of your health Managing your health is never an easy task. According to the CDC, about 600,000 people in the United States die of heart disease each year and 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. NorthShore Health Centers can be the resource you need to help take control of your health.The team at NorthShore truly believes everyone deserves quality healthcare regardless of ability to pay which is why they strive to provide a range of coordinated, discount services in order to improve the overall health of their patients and community. Their board certified doctors and nurses specialize in many areas including Family Practice, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, Radiology, Urgent Care, Dental Care and Optometry.The Family Practice Doctors and Nurse Practitioners focus on preventative care which includes not only treating the patient’s disease but educating them as well. Patients who are dealing with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or high-cholesterol will not only receive the necessary annual physicals, lab work, and medication but also but tips on lifestyle changes such as diet and nutrition in order to properly manage their disease.The doctors are there to guide the patients through each and every aspect of the disease process. The NorthShore team is also an advocate to help manage off-site referrals when they are
not able to assist with a specialized needs onsite. However, NorthShore Health Centers is continuously adding services and state of the art equipment to avoid needing to refer patients to a specialist which could potentially be more costly. NorthShore’s radiology department encompasses X-ray equipment, bone density testing for diagnosis of osteoporosis, 3D/4D ultrasound and mammography. Their latest addition is the Eye Care Center which opened in January. Here patients can not only purchase contacts and eyeglasses but also be tested for cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases.They also have EyePACS technology which allows NorthShore providers the ability to detect and treat retinal disease in diabetic patients in order to avoid potential blindness.With this technology, diabetic patients no longer need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for an exam which makes it more convenient and cost effective. NorthShore Health Centers’ vision is for all who seek their services have access to quality health services in a setting that promotes continuous, comprehensive healthcare. For more information on making NorthShore Health Centers your Medical Home, call (219) 763-8112 or visit www. northshorehealth.org. Provided by NorthShore Health Centers
Nancy C. About a year ago, while walking up my basement steps, I had to stop and rest. Everything on my body hurt; my knees, legs, hips, as well as my brain. I knew my problems were due to my weight, and if I didn’t do something about it, I was going to die before my time. My first step was to go see my doctor (who I will refer to as Dr. God). During our conversation, when I told him I was scared I was going to die early because of my weight, he said that a food plan was needed, not a diet. Dr. God also said because of my addiction to food, a diet would not work, that is why a food plan was necessary. The food plan had to be something that was on-going and easily available. He had heard about a food plan called Healthy Eating but was not sure of the correct name or the details of the program. By the time I got home from the appointment, his nurse, who is a good friend, had called and left a message. She told me the name of the food program was Seattle Suttons Healthy Eating and there was a store convenient to my house. I thought about this for a couple of days decided to start exercising and went for a walk. I was able to walk only four houses up and back and thought I was going to die. I knew then I had to call the Seattle Sutton store and find out how the program worked. Being very skeptical
Never too old to start eating healthy because I had tried every diet known to man, I called and spoke to a very nice fellow named John. I made an appointment and went in to see him. He explained Seattle Suttons Healthy Eating program of freshly prepared meals, individual packages, three meals a day, and could be picked up or delivered twice a week. My only food shopping would be for milk (which I pick up at Target, so I don’t even have to go to the grocery store). The nice part is there is no weighing in, no counting calories, no frozen food, and no feeling guilty. As explained, the program was started to help people that wanted to eat healthy, but didn’t have the time for all the planning, shopping, cooking, and cleanup. Currently my weight loss is 102 pounds with 40 more to go. No doubt I’ll do it. My daily walk is now two miles per day and no one passes me up as they once did. Losing 102 pounds is not easy, its hard work, but I was determined to get healthy. My blood pressure and cholesterol have dropped, and my fatty liver has become normal. Boots are once again part of my wardrobe. At age 62, I have never felt better. Since my introduction to Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating, John (the Seattle Sutton distributor) and I have become good friends.We gab a lot but never about what I eat. Seattle Suttons Healthy Eating program is something
that I can do forever. If I go out to eat, I’ve learned how much to eat. I have found that when I eat out, and then go for my walk the next day, I’m very sluggish and know it’s because of the rich food from the night before. I have become very comfortable with the Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating program and have proven to myself and others that at age 62 if I
can do it, anyone can. It takes courage, guts, and SeattleSutton. — Nancy C. For more information, visit www.seattlesutton.com or call (219) 756-3438 or (219) 972-3438. Seattle Sutton is located at 620 W. 81st Ave., Merrillville, and 9222 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland.
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Hi-tech foot care: Dr. Michael Nirenberg at Friendly Foot Care in Crown Point uses new, hi-tech methods of alleviating foot pain and helping people to walk happy again. | SUPPLIED PHOTO Persons with heel, foot and ligament in the foot.“The ankle pain often have trouble tiny camera helps get people back on their feet quickly,” walking and exercising, and Dr. Nirenberg says.“It is truly this time of year, everyone needs to exercise! The podia- remarkable.” “This technology is amaztrists at Friendly Foot Care ing but it does not work for in Crown Point have become involved in new, hi-tech meth- everyone,” explained Dr. Minhas.There are many ods of alleviating foot pain causes of heel, foot and ankle and helping people to walk pain — torn ligaments, infechappy again. tion, gout, or even a fracture For heel pain sufferers, or tumor.“The first step is Dr. Michael Nirenberg and to thoroughly evaluate the his associate, Dr. Minhas, use patient’s painful heel.” a tiny camera to alleviate For some people, foot pain the heel pain.The camera is due to nerve problems. slips into the heel trough These people may have a small opening and helps numbness, cramping, burnthe doctors treat the painful
ing, shooting or sharp pain in their feet or toes. “For years I’ve seen patients suffer with numbness, burning, tingling and other types of nerve pain, and for the most part, there wasn’t much that could be done,” says Dr. Nirenberg.Then he heard of a new procedure, pioneered by Dr. Lee Dellon, a professor of neurosurgery in Baltimore. Dr. Dellon has trained doctors from over 40 countries around the world, but only a handful of the doctors in the U.S. Dr. Nirenberg studied with Dellon at the Institute. Dr. Nirenberg uses Dr. Dellon’s techniques to alleviate nerve pain problems, such as numbness, cramping or burning, in the feet.The procedure is not for everyone, but when it works it is amazing,” Dr. Nirenberg says.“It is lifechanging for these people.” Foot pain could be a sign of something more serious. In one case, a patient came in with ankle pain and Nirenberg diagnosed a tumor in the patient’s neck. A general surgeon removed the tumor and the ankle pain went away. “The tumor was beginning to affect his whole body,” Dr. Nirenberg says.“It was a good thing we caught it when we did.” Nirenberg published the unique case in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “The lesson is clear,” Dr. Minhas says,“don’t let foot or ankle pain go — at a minimum you should see us for a checkup.”The public agrees: Friendly Foot Care, has been voted “Best Podiatrist” by Post-Tribune’ readers for the last five years. Learn more about Drs. Nirenberg and Minhas at www. friendlyfootcare.com or call (219) 663-2273. Written by Amanda Torres for Friendly Foot Care
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Hi-tech treatment for foot pain
Wellness tips for body, mind and heart
Each day offers new opportunities to make choices that impact your health and overall wellness. Though hectic schedules can cause many of us to let healthy habits fall to the wayside, it is important that we give our bodies the attention and care they deserve.
Consider these small steps to gradually improve your whole body and heart health, which can help you enjoy a happier, longer life: ■ Strike a balance.Take a simpler approach to the traditional idea of “dieting.” Balance calories in versus calories out with a combination of good food choices, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and regular exercise, such as walking or hiking. Incorporate low-calorie, naturally fat-free foods into your diet, such as new Dole Red Grapefruit Sunrise Fruit Bowls, which bring allnatural fruit together with 100 percent juice.They are a great way to start the day or just enjoy as a delicious snack. Grapefruit naturally offers a plentiful source of nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A and C. ■ Watch the middle. According to the Mayo Clinic, that extra weight you carry around the mid-section can cause serious health problems, including cardiovascular
disease, diabetes and certain cancers.Work to keep this common problem area in check by reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity. ■ Skip the stress.While a little stress is part of being human, too much can be taxing on the heart. Find activities that engage your mind and naturally relieve stress such as knitting, crafting or working on a puzzle. ■ Dine in the a.m. Don’t let a rushed morning routine get in the way of enjoying a heart-healthy breakfast. A complete morning meal includes a combination of whole grains, protein, and fruits or vegetables. For a convenient, onthe-go option, throw an individually-sealed cup of Dole Red Grapefruit Sunrise in your laptop bag or purse. Each cup contains peak-of-ripeness, wholesome, peeled grapefruit and allows you to enjoy grapefruit all year around. Plus, they’re gluten free, contain no GMOs (genetically modified or engineered ingredients) or artificial sweeteners, and feature BPA-free packaging. ■ Drink more water. For your
body to function properly, it needs the right amount of hydration. According to the Institute of Medicine, the average required intake for a male is about 13 cups, while a female requires about 9 cups. Switch out sodas and sugary drinks with water to reap its benefits, and to shave off extra “empty” calories that may contribute to weight gain. ■ Get routine exams. A yearly doctor’s examination keeps you more informed of your body’s ever-changing status, and it keeps your health care provider in the loop, too. Educate yourself and understand the import numbers for your heart, including blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. A happy life starts with the right mindset and a few easy routines. For more ways to boost your body’s wellness and healthy snack ideas, visit www.Dole.com. Source: Dole; Family Features
Methodist Hospitals and the American Heart Association have teamed to spread the word across Northwest Indiana about the Life’s Simple 7™ measures…seven simple steps everyone can take to live a long, productive, happy life. Register for one of our FREE SEMINARS today, and learn about the big difference Life’s Simple 7™ can make.
Get Heart
Smart
FREE Seminars
FREE
Heart Disease & Stroke Screenings
Screenings followed by Physician Presentations
Wednesday, February 25 M 4:30 p.m. Presented by Dr. A. Kawamleh, Cardiologist
Southlake Campus, Pavilion B 200 E. 89th Avenue, Merrillville
Thursday, March 26 M 4:30 p.m. Presented by Dr. Vijay Dave, Cardiologist
Midlake Campus, Multi-Specialty Center 2269 W. 25th Avenue, Gary
Friday, April 24 M 11:30 a.m. Presented by Dr. Andre Artis, Cardiologist
Gary YWCA 150 W. 15th Avenue, Gary
an educational initiative sponsored by Boston Scientific
Leading the Way to Better Health
The first 20 enrollees get a FREE Cholesterol Screening No Fasting Required
Valpo Goes Red Breakfast
Harre Hall, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso Friday, March 6 M 7:30-9:30 a.m. FREE Blood Pressure Screenings For information call 219-996-4958
Space is limited. Call 1-888-909-DOCS (3627) or visit Reserve your seat today. MethodistHospitals.org