Free heart healthy classes offered by Franciscan St. Francis Health experts in September

INDIANAPOLIS – Leg pain can be a result of poor blood flow to the legs through the arteries, or it can be from poor blood flow back to the heart, causing enlarged or varicose veins. 

Interventional cardiologist William Berg, MD, who specializes in peripheral vascular disease for Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians, will discuss the blood flow to and from the legs, signs and symptoms of arterial or venous disease and treatment options available.

Berg is the medical director at Franciscan St. Francis Health Heart Center and will lead discussion at “Ask the Doc,” 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at Highpoint Orchard, 3321 Old US Highway 421 Greensburg.

Call 317-782-4422 to register for the above or below classes.

Franciscan St. Francis Health also will offer a variety of classes throughout September, including:

Healthy Eating

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan St. Francis Health Heart Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.  at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road

Healthy eating leads to a healthy life!  Find out how much a “serving” is and how to manage a healthy weight.  Discover how fats, carbohydrates and protein affect our body.  Do you know how much salt, fiber and sugar are in the foods you buy?  This class offers the foundation for a healthy future.

Heart Failure nutrition:  Why is salt so important?

Monday, Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Living with a heart failure diagnosis can be overwhelming, but the staff of Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is here to help.  In this class, our dietitian will talk about healthy food options that are low in sodium.  This class will provide you and your caregivers with valuable information about heart failure and how the right diet will help to manage your condition and symptoms.  Bring your family to this class.

Savvy Shopping

Monday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. at Southport Meijer, 5325 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis

With all the new and changing products on the shelves, grocery shopping can be overwhelming.  Learn where to find the healthy foods and how to avoid packaging tricks commonly used to market foods.  Discover how food labels make you a smarter shopper.

Reduce Stress

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Negative stress causes changes in lifestyle and behavior, which may lead to unhealthy choices.  Learn to identify the causes of stress in your life and techniques to decrease your stress which can improve your health.

Healthy Dining Out Tips

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home.  How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself?  Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Meatless Cooking Tips

Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Meatless meals may help you live longer. Adding more meatless meals to your diet is easy with new products now on the market.  This class will help you with menu planning and recipes so you can incorporate more meatless meals into your daily life.

Cooking for 2

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis

As we get older, our health becomes more of a priority.  After the kids leave home, it can be challenging to scale back our cooking, so dining out seems like an easy option.  In this class, learn how it really is cheaper and healthier to cook at home for two. 

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis-Mooresville

As food prices climb and budgets get tight, smart purchases at the supermarket are important.  In this class, you will learn ways to stretch your food budget while still getting the nutrients you need.