Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers more than 15 ways to improve heart health

 

CHARLESTON, S.C.  (Jan. 23, 2013) – Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) is spreading the love to Lowcountry hearts this February with classes, screenings and events aimed at building stronger, healthier hearts.  

 “Our goal is to direct as many people as possible toward habits that reduce the risk of developing coronary disease,” said Michael Grayson, MD, medical director of cardiology, Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “The American Heart Association is focusing on more population-based approaches to fighting heart disease. As the Lowcountry’s community hospital system, we feel we should take the same approach.”

 The American Heart Association (AHA) hopes to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths in the U.S. by 20 percent by the year 2020. However, according to the AHA’s 2013 report, heart health may only improve by 6 percent if current trends don’t accelerate.

 “For example, obesity is a major factor contributing to coronary disease. South Carolina has some of the highest obesity rates. We’ve got to help people increase their activity levels and make better food choices which is why we have more planned this National Heart Month than ever before,” said Grayson.

 United for Heart Health

Three RSFH entities are joining forces to offer expansive free or low-cost heart health opportunities as part of National Heart Month in February. 

 First, Families for a Healthy Heart kicks off Jan. 26, at Howell Hall AIMS Elementary School in Goose Creek. This free program, now in its sixth year, teaches easy and fun ways to be healthy and active.

 Roper St. Francis Advantage, meanwhile, is an ongoing program that offers a range of prevention-oriented educational opportunities. Basic membership is free and Advantage Gold membership is $15 a year. 

 The RSFH entity rounding out the heart healthy activities menu is the Lowcountry Senior Center. The Center focuses on lifelong wellness through exercise, fun and learning for adults.

 Reservations Required

Reservations are required to attend most events and classes. Register by calling 402-CARE (2273), unless otherwise noted.

 Families for Healthy Hearts Kickoff and Free Screenings (Free) Jan. 26

8 – 11 a.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Obesity: Size Matters (Free)

Jan. 26

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 The Lowdown on Carbs (Free)

Jan. 31

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 High Blood Pressure and Hypertension: How to Break the Salt Habit (Free)

Feb. 9

10– 1:30 a.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Cardiovascular Risk Awareness Screenings (Free)

Feb. 19

8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Presented by the Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular team

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, but often goes undetected. Join us for a free, painless, ankle brachial index (ABI) screening to check for PAD. 

Roper Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, Downtown Charleston

 Supermarket Tour “Eating for a Healthy Heart and Mind”

Feb. 19

1–2 p.m. 

Tour with RSFH dietitians to learn about making nutritious and great tasting selections.

Publix (West Ashley)

1401 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., West Ashley

$5 for Advantage Gold Members; $10 for non–members

 Good for Your Heart and Soul: Soul Food Revamped

Feb. 20

11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Clinical dietitian adds fun and flavor to your cooking. Samples and recipes provided.

Roper Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, Downtown Charleston

$5 per class for Advantage Gold Members; $10 for non-members

 Let's Do Health: Understanding Stroke Risk (Free)

February 21

2–3 p.m.

Presented by Scott Davidson, MD & RSFH Stroke Coordinators Sherry Graves, NP and Stacey Seipel, RN. Stroke ranks as the fourth leading killer in the United States. Learn how to lower your risk.  

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Mall Classroom 3, West Ashley

 Stroke Assessment (Free)

Feb. 21

3–5 p.m.

The event will consist of blood pressure screenings and completing a stroke risk assessment scorecard. 

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Mall Classroom 3, West Ashley

 Understanding your Cholesterol (Free)

Presented by David Robinson, MD, St. James Family Medicine

Feb. 21

6–7:30 p.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Supermarket Tour “Eating For a Healthy Heart and Mind”

Feb. 28

4–5 p.m.

Tour with RSFH dietitians to learn about making nutritious and great tasting selections.

Wal-Mart (West Ashley)

3951 West Ashley Circle, West Ashley

$5 for Advantage Gold Members; $10 per tour for non–members

 Heart Month Yoga

Feb. 2013

Fridays: 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston

$4 per class for Advantage member; $5 non-member

 February Fitness Hooping

Feb. 2013

Tuesdays: 3:45–4:45 p.m.  

Wednesdays: 8:15–9 a.m.

Hula-hooping is fun, low intensity workout building core strength while increasing flexibility.

Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston

Free for Lowcountry Senior Center members; $2 per class for non-members. 

Register by calling 762-9555.

 Fats: The Good, Bad and the Ugly (Free)

March 9

10–11:30 a.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Food Labeling and Recipe Modification (Free)

March 21

6–7:30 p.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Putting it All Together (Free)

April 11

6–7:30 p.m.

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 Families for a Health Heart Finale (Free)

April 27

2–4 p.m.

Culinary School of the Arts, Trident Technical College, North Charleston

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

 About Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Roper St. Francis Healthcare is the Lowcountry’s only private, not-for-profit healthcare provider. The 657-bed system comprises more than 90 facilities and services in seven counties. Member hospitals include Roper Hospital, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital, each of which is accredited by The Joint Commission. Our active medical staff is made up of more than 800 board certified physicians. The group includes Roper St. Francis Physician Partners, an expansive network of more than 200 physicians who offer primary care and 20 subspecialties. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is routinely recognized for excellence in patient care by national organizations and agencies such as BlueCross BlueShield, the Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, Thomson Reuters, U.S. News & World Report, Consumer Reports and more. With more than 5,200 employees, RSFH is Charleston’s largest private employer, and the system consistently scores in the superior category for patient and physician satisfaction.  www.rsfh.com