Lifestyle Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Programs

	When it comes to our hearts, we could all eat better. “There are certain things every person should do, even if they do not have documented heart disease, “ explains Dr. Karen Hanna, a cardiologist with Cardiology Associates of Savannah. “It would behoove all of us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. There is a strong association between diet and vascular disease. Improving what you eat can have a large impact on improving your risk category.
During February, health professionals concentrate on healthy hearts for good reason. “Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women, across the board,” Hanna explains. “Women currently are very concerned about their chances of getting breast cancer, but they need to realize that heart disease is the biggest killer they are facing.”
FACTS ABOUT INTER_xVENT INTER_xVENT, which is affiliated with St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, enlists participants in a one-year program (cost is $360 per year, with corporate discounts available) that stresses behavior modification and mentoring designed to help participants exercise more, eat less and make better food choices. INTER_xVENT has recently opened a Fort Lauderdale office, and hopes to open offices soon in Atlanta and California. Even children are at risk of developing life-long heart problems because of fatty diets and sedentary lifestyles.
“In the unfortunate cases when we have had to do autopsies on young children, we have found evidence of the beginning of vascular disease. Children’s habits stem from what their parents are doing. Good habits begin early in life. We know that kids today are leading sedentary lifestyles in front of televisions and computers. The number of kids with obesity is a problem.” HEALTH TIPS FROM INTER_xVENT Mentor Bob Skiljan and Dr. Neil Gordon recommend these five specific changes: 1. Use skim milk. It’s high in protein and calcium and low in fat. 2. Eat beans: They are another good source of protein and they add fiber. 3. Eat fish: It’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect against heart disease. 4. Eat whole grain breads: They are another good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. 5. Eat oranges: They are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, a group of vitamins that help protect against heart disease. RECIPES FROM INTER_xVENT Bob Skiljan has developed many recipes for INTER_xVENT. He’s planning to publish a cookbook based on that work. Some of his most popular heart-healthy dishes are: · Black-bean chili with Cilantro Cream · Oven-poached Salmon in Broth · Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler