Columnists
A Valentine gift that can’t be beat
By Angel Biasatti, Director Community Relations and Marketing, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
Jan 30, 2010

Give yourself the gift of health at Methodist Mansfield’s free heart event

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself a gift. It’s romantic, thoughtful, and best of all — free. It’s the gift of a healthy heart. 

“Anyone can be at risk for heart disease without knowing it, and one of the easiest things you can do is get moving. Thirty minutes of walking a day or even dancing can improve your health by reducing your risk for heart diseases and improving your blood pressure. It’s one small step everyone can do,” says Bernnie Kennedy, director of cardiology at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. “Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S., and we remind people along with the American Heart Association to make time in your life for your health and the ones you love.” 

Methodist Mansfield has teamed up with the Tarrant County American Heart Association, City of Mansfield Fire Rescue, Boston Scientific Corporation, Fort Worth Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and leading independently practicing cardiologists on its medical staff to offer valuable information about the latest treatments, causes, and cures of heart disease. The free event is designed for women of all ages and will take place Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at Methodist Mansfield. Enjoy an exhilarating morning learning fun ways to get and stay fit, as well as how to prepare heart-healthy recipes from Methodist Mansfield’s acclaimed chef, Rich Wilck.  

Regardless of your age, if you take a few tips from the physicians who treat heart disease, you can do much to prevent heart disease from happening to you.  

According to Kennedy, a key way to prevent heart disease is to stop smoking, aim for a healthy weight, choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium, and eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels and work to improve your numbers that are not normal. 

Do you know your numbers? Methodist Mansfield will offer lipid profile and glucose screenings at the hospital for only $10 (cash or check) on Monday, Feb. 8 – Thursday, Feb. 11, from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. and on Tuesday, Feb. 9 – Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. A 10-hour fast prior to your blood test is required for accurate results.  Caffeinated drinks may produce inaccurate results. Check in at the surgery/diagnostics desk. Results of your blood test will be available at the Heart to Heart event on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – noon

Early detection is important if you are at an increased risk of heart disease because of family history or other inherited genetic factors. You should discuss your risk factors with your personal physician. 

“It’s also important to know that all heart attacks are not sudden and intense and can start out slowly, with mild pain or discomfort,” Kennedy says. According to the American Heart Association, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, back, neck or jaw pain, discomfort in one or both arms, nausea/vomiting, light-headedness or dizziness, or unusual fatigue are symptoms and warning signs. Listen to your body and if you even suspect these symptoms, call your doctor. If you or someone you know is having one or more of the symptoms, don’t wait more than a few minutes to call for help. Call 911 for the fastest way to receive lifesaving treatment. 

To register for the free Heart to Heart event call toll-free 1-877-637-4297 or visit www.methodisthealthsystem.org/events. Pledge yourself to better health today and learn more about your health at www.methodisthealthsystem.org.  

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.