A Simple Scan Can Save a Life
Laura and Jack Everling made a plan to get a heart scan together when they both turned 50. What was at first a precautionary measure, turned into a lifesaving decision. When Laura and Jack came in for their heart scans they were anxiously awaiting their trip to Florida for Spring Break. “We made a plan […]
#MyFocus: A Journey to a Career in Cardiac Care
Some people have a single career interest. Others with multiple interests, like Matt Winn, decide to explore several options before selecting a career best suited for them. Matt, a radiologic technologist at Riverview Health, is ecstatic to have found his dream job as a result of exploring several different fields and meeting many influential people. […]
#MyFocus: Mended Hearts Member Uses her Heart Journey to Help Others
My name is Linda Mason, and my heart journey started in 1998 when I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch blockage and a heart murmur. I was treated with medication until February of 2003 when I started experiencing high heart rates which were causing chest pains and other symptoms. I was told I needed […]
5 Reasons to Wear Red in February
Over the years, the month of October has become synonymous with the color pink and Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s everywhere—from professional sports teams donning pink gear to your favorite soda introducing a limited-release pink can. Breast cancer, and all cancers, are horrible, devastating illnesses that greatly affect the lives of many. But there’s a […]
10 Tips for Adding Heart Healthy Foods to Your Diet
By Brittany Nelson, RD, CHWC You see them on menus everywhere—in sandwiches, salads, omelettes and more. Avocados have become trendy during the past few years—and with good reason. They’re full of healthy fats, which was one of the recommendations of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines also warned against eating foods with refined […]
Truth About Cholesterol in Women
By Valerie Beard, MD Riverview Health Physicians Good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol. What number should be high? Which one should be low? If you’re not quite sure, you’re not alone. Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat. Your liver produces roughly 75 percent of your cholesterol—only 25 percent comes from your diet. Nearly 20 percent of American […]
Quantity vs. Quality While Eating Healthier
By Brittany Wonnell, RD, CHWC Often at the beginning of the year, we begin new resolutions that can include changing the way we eat. When thinking about defining which foods are “healthy” or “unhealthy,” it’s important to understand not just the quality of your food but also the quantity you’re eating. You can gain weight […]
3 Easy Steps to Find Your Target Heart Rate Range
By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist We’re all familiar with the phrase “use it or lose it,” and it perfectly applies to our body and muscles. Muscles are made to be used, and if they’re neglected it’s our health and quality of life that suffers. Cardiovascular exercise is defined as any activity that increases your heart […]
What You Never Knew About How Stress Affects Your Heart
By J. Mario Pyles, MD, FACC A racing heartbeat, a pit in your stomach, a pounding in your ears—all of these are familiar symptoms of increased heart rate caused by a moment of extreme mental stress. Most people have probably experienced this, because mental stress is a normal part of life. However, long-term mental stress […]
Carbohydrates: Friend not Foe
By Katie Boscia, MS, RD, IBCLC, CDE Everyone can benefit from a carbohydrate-conscious diet, not just people living with diabetes. When people are first diagnosed with diabetes, they sometimes cut carbohydrates, or carbs, completely from their diet. This is unfortunately not the way to go. Any extreme diet restriction that’s not medically necessary can deprive […]