Leader1214b

Page 1B • The Leader • December 14, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Healthy heart and the holidays: Minutes can really matter

portant when someone thinks he or she is having a heart attack.” Medical attention and intervention within the ﬁrst hour of symptom onset – the so-called “Golden Hour” – can make a difference in outcome and recovery. “You can’t just take an aspirin and hope it goes away,” Dr. Stephen said. Prompt assessment of potential heart attack symptoms by medical staff can rule out other causes and identify a course of treatment and care. And sometimes, the indigestion is just that. But what if it is heart failure? “It’s better to be cautious,” he said. “Check it out.” Since the heart is a pump that supplies blood and oxygen throughout the body, having a healthy heart also keeps the rest of the body healthy. “A healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of a heart attack,” said Dr. Stephen, who advises controlling blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, being physically active, eating a healthy diet and not smoking. “It’s easier to say than to do,” he said, but imperative nonetheless.

by Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader It’s not that the holidays cause heart attacks, but rather that the season’s hubbub can lead to the kinds of behavior and conditions that might increase the odds a bit. “During the holidays, people have increased stress, are too busy to exercise and may overeat,” explains Michael Stephen, M.D., a cardiovascular disease specialist afﬁliated with Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. “You’re doing everything you’re not supposed to do.” Contributing factors – in addition to uncontrolled high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol or obesity – might include something as random as forgetting to pack medications when traveling, delaying routine healthcare checkups, and backsliding a bit on any personal resolve related to overeating, smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages. Even without these seasonal inﬂuences, however, heart disease remains the most common cause of death in the U.S. The American Heart Association reports an estimated 600,000 people die of heart disease every year; a heart attack occurs about every 34 seconds.

YOUNGSTERS NEED TO KNOW

SYMPTOMS REVIEWED

A heart attack happens when blood stops flowing adequately to areas of your heart, depriving them of oxygen, explains Dr. Stephen. Typical symptoms of a heart attack include chest pressure in the center or left side of your chest, with possible Michael Stephen, M.D., a cardiovascular disease specialist affiliassociated symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea or ated with Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital offers heart vomiting. healthy advice for the holidays. (Photo submitted) “Many patients describe the classic heart attack as feeling like there’s an elephant sitting on their chest,” Dr. Stephen he adds. Instead of chest pain, they experience extreme fasaid, “but some patients are surprised to learn they’ve had a tigue, shortness of breath or upper abdominal pain. With any new symptoms, particularly in combination, heart attack. They thought they were experiencing ‘indigesDr. Stephen advises seeking medical attention promptly. tion.’” Women and diabetics commonly have atypical symptoms, “Err on the side of caution,” he said. “Every minute is im-

It’s not just the elder generation that needs to be able to recognize heart attack symptoms, Dr. Stephen explains. “While children might not know exactly what’s going on, they do understand how granddad isn’t feeling well and needs help,” he says, noting that in many cases, the individual is aware he or she needs assistance and can ask a youngster to call for help. “Children should know how to call 9-1-1 and describe their location and any symptoms their loved one is exhibiting.” Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital’s heart specialists and comprehensive cardiovascular program provide a wide range of specialized services, clinical excellence and state-of-the-art technology. If you are seeking a cardiologist, call 713-222-CARE.

Providing a helping hand to ﬁght hunger by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com On Sunday afternoon, Hamilton Middle School students could have been at home watching television or holiday shopping with their parents. But 80 Hamilton students and 20 adults chose to make someone else’s holiday a brighter one by participating in the “Sandwiches for All” event, in partnership with Rice University’s “Coalition on Hunger & Homelessness.” Members of Hamilton’s speech and debate club visited each classroom at the school, encouraging their classmates to participate.

“It’s something tremendous on a small scale that can help locally,” Hamilton principal Wendy Hampton said. “I’m really proud of our kids.” Hamilton was the ﬁrst Houston ISD school to partner with Rice on the project. The volunteers packed the cafeteria at Hamilton, 139 E. 20th St., and made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that they put into brown paper bags, along with cookies, granola bars and fruit snacks. By the time the project was complete, the volunteers had made 1,045 sack lunches -- a record number for the Rice University-afﬁliated program.

The event had an impact on Hamilton seventh grader Livia Schooley. “We took our time to help people who aren’t as fortunate as we are,” Schooley said. “I like helping people less fortunate than I am. I’d rather spend my time here helping somebody than at my house taking advantage of what I have.” Eighth grader Tristan Zvolensky will be a high school student in less than a year. Zvolensky said she learned some important things from the project. “It shows our students really do have a caring heart,” Zvolensky said. “It gives me more faith in humanity.”

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Koko FitClub uses the Smartrainer, an automated personal trainer. (Submitted photo)

Cutting edge fit club offers free fitness assessment

see Fitness • Page 3B

SUPERIOR

Expanded, comprehensive emergency care. And still the only trauma center in The Heights. The best choice for trauma care in The Heights is now even better. Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital proudly announces the expansion of our emergency services. By adding nearly 10,000 square feet with the latest medical technologies, we continue to provide the highest quality trauma care right here in our community. So in case of emergency, you know where to turn — Memorial Hermann Northwest.

To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org

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Koko FitClub, which recently opened its newest location in The Heights area of Houston at 189 Heights Blvd. in Houston, is offering Heights area residents and workers the gift of a free fitness assessment valued at $200. Koko FitClub, founded in Boston in 2008 as the world’s first digital gym, has more than 125 company-owned and franchised clubs in 28 states. Koko’s patented Smartraining system uses advanced digital technologies to offer a completely new fitness experience, providing the benefits of a 90-minute workout in 45 minutes. John and Marisol Denson are the owners of the Koko FitClub franchise in the greater Houston area and currently operate Koko FitClub facilities in Champions, Cypress, Katy, The Heights, and The Woodlands. Houstonians are welcome to tour the private Koko studio, receive a personal fitness consultation with a Koko Fit Coach, try a Koko Cardio Machine for professionally designed and audio guided cardio work out session, and participate in a demonstration of the Smartrainer (an automated personal trainer). Guests can also receive a three-day pass to Koko FitClub and discounts on initiation or memberships if they decide to join. “Koko FitClub is a Digital Gym concept that is radically different from what most people think of or know about fitness clubs and gyms. Koko created the first truly digital fitness club as a place where challenging cardio and strength

Hamilton Middle School students participated in a “Sandwiches for All” event last Sunday, in partnership with Rice University’s “Coalition on Hunger & Homelessness.” (Photos by Michael Sudhalter)

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