Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers more than 15 ways to improve heart health
Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) is spreading the love to Lowcountry hearts this February with classes, screenings and events aimed at building stronger, healthier hearts.
“Our goal is to direct as many people as possible toward habits that reduce the risk of developing coronary disease,” said Michael Grayson, MD, medical director of cardiology, Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “The American Heart Association is focusing on more population-based approaches to fighting heart disease. As the Lowcountry’s community hospital system, we feel we should take the same approach.”
The American Heart Association (AHA) hopes to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths in the U.S. by 20 percent by the year 2020. However, according to the AHA’s 2013 report, heart health may only improve by 6 percent if current trends don’t accelerate.
“For example, obesity is a major factor contributing to coronary disease. South Carolina has some of the highest obesity rates. We’ve got to help people increase their activity levels and make better food choices which is why we have more planned this National Heart Month than ever before,” said Grayson.
United for Heart HealthThree RSFH entities are joining forces to offer expansive free or low-cost heart health opportunities as part of National Heart Month in February.
First, Families for a Healthy Heart kicks off Jan. 26, at Howell Hall AIMS Elementary School in Goose Creek. This free program, now in its sixth year, teaches easy and fun ways to be healthy and active.
Roper St. Francis Advantage, meanwhile, is an ongoing program that offers a range of prevention-oriented educational opportunities. Basic membership is free and Advantage Gold membership is $15 a year.
The RSFH entity rounding out the heart healthy activities menu is the Lowcountry Senior Center. The center focuses on lifelong wellness through exercise, fun and learning for adults.
Reservations RequiredReservations are required to attend most events and classes. Register by calling 402-CARE (2273), unless otherwise noted.
Families for Healthy Hearts Kickoff and Free Screenings (Free)
Jan. 26, 8 – 11 a.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Obesity: Size Matters (Free)
Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
The Lowdown on Carbs (Free)
Jan. 31, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
High Blood Pressure and Hypertension: How to Break the Salt Habit (Free)
Feb. 9, 10– 1:30 a.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Cardiovascular Risk Awareness Screenings (Free)
Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Presented by the Roper St. Francis Heart and Vascular team
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, but often goes undetected. Join us for a free, painless, ankle brachial index (ABI) screening to check for PAD.
Roper Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, Downtown Charleston
Supermarket Tour “Eating for a Healthy Heart and Mind”
Feb. 19, 1–2 p.m.
Tour with RSFH dietitians to learn about making nutritious and great tasting selections.
Publix (West Ashley)
1401 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., West Ashley
$5 for Advantage Gold Members; $10 for non–members
Good for Your Heart and Soul: Soul Food Revamped
Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Clinical dietitian adds fun and flavor to your cooking. Samples and recipes provided. Roper Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Downtown Charleston
$5 per class for Advantage Gold Members; $10 for non-members
Let’s Do Health: Understanding Stroke Risk (Free)
Feb. 21, 2–3 p.m.
Presented by Scott Davidson, MD and RSFH Stroke Coordinators Sherry Graves, NP and Stacey Seipel, RN. Stroke ranks as the fourth leading killer in the United States. Learn how to lower your risk.
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Mall Classroom 3, West Ashley
Stroke Assessment (Free)
Feb. 21, 3–5 p.m.
The event will consist of blood pressure screenings and completing a stroke risk assessment scorecard.
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Mall Classroom 3, West Ashley
Understanding your Cholesterol (Free)
Presented by David Robinson, MD, St. James Family Medicine
Feb. 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Supermarket Tour “Eating For a Healthy Heart and Mind”
Feb. 28, 4–5 p.m.
Tour with RSFH dietitians to learn about making nutritious and great tasting selections.
Wal-Mart (West Ashley)
3951 West Ashley Circle, West Ashley
$5 for Advantage Gold Members; $10 per tour for non–members
Heart Month Yoga
Fridays in February, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston
$4 per class for Advantage member; $5 non-member
February Fitness Hooping
Tuesdays in February, 3:45–4:45 p.m. and Wednesdays in February, 8:15–9 a.m.
Hula-hooping is fun, low intensity workout building core strength while increasing flexibility.
Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston
Free for Lowcountry Senior Center members; $2 per class for non-members.
Register by calling 762-9555.
Fats: The Good, Bad and the Ugly (Free)
March 9, 10–11:30 a.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Food Labeling and Recipe Modification (Free)
March 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Putting it All Together (Free)
April 11, 6–7:30 p.m.
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
Families for a Health Heart Finale (Free)
April 27, 2–4 p.m.
Culinary School of the Arts, Trident Technical College, North Charleston
Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek
