How to lead a 'heart healthy' life

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One out of every three deaths is caused by heart disease and stroke. It's equal to 2,200 deaths per day according to the CDC.

February is American Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association .

Dr. Barry Karas, a cardiologist with Sigma Medical Group, says Heart Month is a great time to stop and reflect on your heart health. First, he suggests knowing your risks (genetics and family history, environmental factors, lifestyle, etc.). Also, be on the lookout for symptoms of heart disease.

"Hey, do I have any of this or is this new? Or is this changed?" Dr. Karas says to ask yourself.

"And then you just build the story. If something is not right, most people know their boy and know if they are feeling well or poorly. (If poorly) Then they make an appointment with their health care practitioner," he continued.

Symptoms of heart disease include (source: MayoClinic.com ):

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your arms or legs

In Lafayette, Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health and the Kathryn Weil Center for Education have announced several Heart Month activities during February for residents of the Greater Lafayette community to participate in:

"How Do I Know If I Have A Heart Problem?"
Tuesday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Barry Karas, a cardiologist with Sigma Medical Group, will discuss how different heart-related conditions present, warning signs and when it's time for a "tune up" during the February 2 "Lunch and Learn" program called "How Do I Know If I Have A Heart Problem?"

Lunch is available for $6 for Spirit of Women members and $7 for non-members at 11:30 a.m. with the free educational program starting at noon. The program will be held at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education. Seating is limited; reservations are required and must be received by Tuesday, Jan. 31. To register or for more information, call the Kathryn Weil Center for Education at (765) 449-5133.


Go Red Day
Friday, February 3

Celebrate National Go Red Day by wearing red in support of living a heart-healthy life. Also, Heartland Gifts, Heartland Gifts, Too and the St. Elizabeth Central gift shop will have 25% off all red items and other marked items for all visitors to the shops.
 

Zumba classes
Begininng Tuesday, February 7

The Kathryn Weil Center for Education will host Zumba, beginning on Tuesday, February 7. Classes will be offered twice a week – on Tuesdays and Fridays in February. Cost is $4 per class or $30 for the month. The Tuesday, February 7 and Friday, February 10 classes are introductory and free to all participants those two days.
 
The class is taught by Elena Bowser, a certified Zumba instructor since May 2010. Classes are suitable for all levels of physical activity, including postpartum moms. Classes will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be on the following dates: Tuesday, February 7; Friday, February 10; Tuesday, February 14; Friday, February 17; Tuesday, February 21; Friday, February 24; and Tuesday, February 28.

 
Cholesterol screenings
Thursday, February 9

The Kathryn Weil Center for Education will offer cholesterol screenings for $35; $31.50 for Spirit of Women members. The screening includes checking total cholesterol, HDL, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, LDL and glucose levels. Registration is required and can be made by calling the center at (765) 449-5133.
 

"Transition Your Kitchen into Heart-smart Dining"
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health's Food and Nutrition Services will present "Transition Your Kitchen into Heart-smart Dining" in the Heartland Café at St. Elizabeth East. The café is accessible through the North Entrance at St. Elizabeth East, 1701 S. Creasy Lane in Lafayette.
 
Turn up the heat in February, by joining Executive Chef Chris Watson and Registered Dietitian Anna Busenburg, R.D., for an evening of fun.  Learn what foods score high when it comes to heart health and why you should be stocking them in your kitchen.  Also learn culinary techniques to use when cooking these foods to make them flavorful while keeping their health benefits. This event is free, but registration is required and can be made by calling the Kathryn Weil Center for Education at (765) 449-5133.
 

Day of Dance
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tippecanoe Mall

Bring your friends and family to dance, learn simple ways to stay healthy, enjoy music, participate in health screenings and view a fashion show by Macy's. This event is free and registration is not required. Health fair and displays begin at 10:00 a.m.; dancing starts at noon.

More information on Heart Month events is posted on the Franciscan St. Elizabeth website .