Free Heart-Healthy Classes Offered to Public throughout October

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Franciscan Health Heart Center is offering free classes focused on cardiovascular health and wellness in October.

To register for any of the classes, call 317-782-4422 or go online at MyHeartCare.net to see the full listing of fall classes. Seating is limited for these events. The classes include:

Ask the Doc programs offered for October

Dizzy Spells – What should I do?

Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan Health Heart Center (8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis)

Presented by Harry Genovely, MD

Have you ever fainted or passed out for no obvious reason?  Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness and posture and is usually related to a temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain. Figuring out the cause can be a challenge and one of the possible causes could be your heart. Dr. Genovely will talk about syncope, how to identify the cause and what treatment options are available.

Do you have a heart murmur?

Tues, Oct.18, 6:30 p.m.

Monroe Convention Center (302 S College Ave., Bloomington)

Presented by Marc Gerdisch, MD

Refreshments served at 6 p.m.; program starts at 6:30 p.m.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Marc Gerdisch will talk about new treatments and surgeries for heart valves, including ongoing research studies at Franciscan Health.  Bring your questions for our nationally and internationally renowned surgeon.

Aneurysms: Pay attention before it’s too late

Thursday, Oct. 27 at Noon

Decatur County Memorial Hospital (720 N Lincoln St, Greensburg)

Presented by Robert McCready, MD

Abdominal aortic aneurysms, also known as AAA, are uncommon but usually deadly.  They develop slowly and usually have no symptoms, but when the weakened walls of the artery collapse, there is little recourse.

That’s why knowing your risk for AAA is so important. In some cases, the condition is genetic, but if you smoke, have high blood pressure or cholesterol you may be at risk as well. Dr. McCready will discuss risks, symptoms and monitoring of AAA and how Medicare offers a free screening to qualified members age 65-75.

Change of Heart classes offered in Fall 2016

Savvy Shopping

Tuesday, Oct 4, 6:30 p.m. at Camby Meijer (10509 Heartland Blvd.)

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.

Cooking for 2

Wednesday, Oct 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan Health Heart Center

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. 

Fitness Tips

Tues, Oct 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan Health Mooresville (1201 Hadley Road)

Thurs, Oct 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Heart Center

Being fit is more than being thin.  Research shows that no matter what you weigh, increasing your fitness helps your heart. Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun.  Learn how to set up a schedule for yourself.

Quick meals at home

Wed, Oct.19, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan Health Mooresville

Some days, we just don’t have the time – or the desire – to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  But that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice eating well at home.  Learn how to fix quick and easy nutritious meals you and your family can enjoy.

Meatless Cooking Tips

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Health 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.

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Tues, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan Health 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.