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Heart Smart for Women, a Program Designed to Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Offered to Area Women

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 January 2005, 18:00 CST

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Jan. 12 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Midwest Heart Foundation and Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center are seeking women between the ages of 18 and 64 to participate in a 12 week, grant-funded, heart healthy wellness program, Heart Smart for Women, beginning Feb. 3, at the Health and Wellness Center, on the hospital campus, 3551 Highland Avenue, in Downers Grove.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in Illinois. Heart Smart for Women is designed for women who are concerned about and want to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

"Heart Smart for Women is not a group exercise program," explains Amy Nester, Heart Smart facilitator. "The focus is on developing lifestyle skills that will help the participants adopt and maintain physical activity for a lifetime, thereby reducing their risk of heart disease."

The 12-week, step-by-step program also includes education on the risks of cardiovascular disease, help for dealing with daily stress, guidelines for improving dietary habits, and identification of obstacles to success.

"I am very excited to offer this program to area women," says Diane Wallis, MD, cardiologist with Midwest Heart Specialists, and Heart Smart for Women advisor. "This course offers women the tools they need to live a healthy, active life."

Heart Smart for Women is offered at 11:30 a.m. and at 7 p.m. for twelve weeks beginning Feb. 3, and is limited to 25 participants at each session. The fee is $25.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Amy Nester, Midwest Heart Foundation, 630-932- 2165.

Heart Smart for Women is made possible through Illinois General Revenue funding administered through the Office of Women's Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, and The Cooper Institute For Aerobics Research (licensed owner of the program materials).

Midwest Heart Specialists is a physician group of more than 55 cardiologists who service Chicago's western suburbs.

Midwest Heart Foundation is the non-profit research and education dedicated to improving the health of the community.

Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center is a 90,000 square foot medically based fitness facility located on the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital campus, 3551 Highland Avenue, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Art Slowinski, MS, Fitness Manager at the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, suggests the following to reduce the risk of developing heart disease:

Have a physical check-up with your healthcare provider. Many risk factors for heart disease can be lowered through a combination of nutrition, exercise and/or medication, as recommended by your physician.

Have your blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. Take steps to lower it if it's high.

Don't smoke. Smokers have more than twice the risk of heart attack as nonsmokers do. Being exposed to tobacco smoke daily increases risk, so avoid secondhand smoke.

Check blood pressure levels regularly. Take steps to lower it if it's high.

Be physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week.

Recognize and treat diabetes.

Maintain a healthy weight. Take steps to lose weight if needed.

Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Limit consumption of alcohol. It can increase blood pressure.

Take steps to recognize and manage symptoms of stress. Have a massage, practice Yoga, or meditate regularly.

For more information, contact your personal physician or call the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center member services offices at 630-275-2879.

These heart healthy tips are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician or a healthcare professional before you begin any new exercise program. To learn more about this topic, visit or call the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, Downers Grove, 630-275-2879; or on the web http:// www.advocatehealth.com/goodsam Fitness and Wellness link.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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