Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure. Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free classes and programs this spring to improve the community’s health through education and prevention.
All of the events are open and free to the public.
Several of the Change of Heart classes will be held at the St. Francis Heart Center’s Community Center, entrance #1 of St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis,
Registration is required. Call 317-782-4422 or register online at www.StFrancisHospitals.org/heart for these and many other classes throughout the spring.
Ask-the-doc’s include:
Why does it hurt to walk?
Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Heart Center
Presented by Donald Patterson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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. Dr. Patterson, vascular surgeon with the St. Francis Medical Group, will discuss the blood flow to and from the legs, signs and symptoms of arterial or venous disease and treatment options available. Those attending may then sign up for a free peripheral vascular screening scheduled at a later date.
How to protect yourself from stroke
Thursday, April 21
6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Heart Center
Presented by William Berg, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Berg will talk about the importance of keeping the carotid artery leading to the brain free of plaque and disease, decreasing the risk for stroke. Class attendees may sign up for a free carotid artery screening on a date following the program.
Metabolic Syndrome: How does it fit in with heart disease?
Wednesday, April 27
6:30 p.m.
Presented by Anthony Bashall, M.D.
(special phone number to register is 317-421-1915)
Patients who are overweight, have diabetes and high cholesterol are at an even higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Each condition requires careful management but they all may lead to a heart attack. Cardiologist Tony Bashall, M.D., will share what patients and families need to know about their risk for cardiovascular disease and how to minimize that risk.
Treatment options for atrial fibrillation
Tuesday, May 3
6:30 p.m.
Presented by John Moore,III, M.D.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly at a high rate. If severe, this condition can lead to heart attack, stroke or death. Cardiologist John Moore III, M.D., will discuss the current treatments for atrial fibrillation and who should be treated.
Heart Failure – Medication questions answered
Thursday, May 12
6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Heart Center
Presented by Polly Moore, M.D., F.A.C.C.
When a patient or family member is diagnosed with heart failure, it is a time of adjustment. There can be stress on families to understand the diagnosis and much time is devoted to learning about treatment. Patients are usually on multiple medications and families are there to help with administration. Cardiologist Polly Moore, M.D., will share what patients and families need to know about heart failure medications, how to monitor their condition and when to seek help.
Coronary calcium scoring – identifying cardiac risk
Tuesday, May 24
6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Heart Center
Presented by Ryan Daly, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.E.
Build-up of calcium in plaque in coronary arteries can cause heart attacks. Sometimes the plaque doesn’t completely block the artery but can break off causing a heart attack. Coronary calcium scoring is a high-tech way of finding the arteries with calcium build-up and is another way to identify your risk for heart disease. Dr. Daly will describe this test and answer your questions about heart attack risk factors. A special screening offer will be made to those who attend this class.
Change of Heart Classes
Heart Smart Dining
Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 PM at St. Francis - Mooresville
Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 PM at the
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.
Healthy Meals on a Budget
Monday, May 2, 6:30 PM at 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.
Exercise Tips for Your Heart
Monday, April 4 at 6:30 PM at St. Francis – Mooresville
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 PM at St. Francis Heart Center
If you can’t find time to exercise or aren’t sure what the best exercise is for you, this class is for you. Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun. Learn how to set up a schedule for yourself.
Super Shopping
Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 PM at the
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. Two classes are in the grocery store at Meijer while the third class is in the classroom.
Healthy Eating
Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 PM at the
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 PM at the
Diet’s don’t work! Learn about healthy lifestyles in this class. 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!
Healthy Cooking Tips
Monday, April 11, 6:30 PM at St. Francis – Mooresville
Thursday, April 14, 6:30 PM at the
Healthy cooking leads to a healthy life. Learn how to choose the right ingredients that pump up the nutritional value of your favorite recipes in this class. Recipe substitutions and cooking techniques will be discussed.
Reduce Stress
Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 PM at
Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 PM at the
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 how to improve your health.
