UNews - heart disease

Learning the truth about heart disease

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:17:19 +0000

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in Canada and the United States.

The various forms of heart disease include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure and heart attacks. Heart disease accounts for 35,000 deaths per year among women in Canada, and of these deaths, 54 per cent were due to ischemic heart disease, 20 per cent due to stroke, and 23 per cent due to myocardial infarction (heart attacks).

These are sobering statistics that deserve our attention.

So, exactly what is heart disease?

Your heart is a muscle that gets energy from blood carrying oxygen and nutrients. Having a constant supply of blood keeps your heart working properly. Most people think of heart disease as one condition. In fact, heart disease is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart and has many root causes.

The positive is that heart disease is both preventable and manageable. While you cannot control your age, gender, ethnicity and family history, risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and being overweight are all readily modifiable.

For more information on women and heart disease, visit www.heartandstroke.ca and www.myhealthcheckup.com or call Building Healthy Lifestyles at 403-388-6675.

If you'd like to find out more about your risk of heart disease, register for this semester's Health Check for U session, a 15-minute confidential free screening program. It includes cholesterol and blood sugar level checks, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference measurements and a follow-up consultation.

Check out your heart's age – take charge of your health and put your Heart into it! To register send an e-mail to wellness@uleth.ca. Past participants are welcome to come back for a second or third screening to see if there have been any changes.

In other Wellness news, mini-massages are available through March, as provided by Lethbridge College Massage Therapy students. Drop in for a 10 to 15 minute massage or register at wellness@uleth.ca. The next session is Feb. 27, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in AH117.

The February Wellness Lunch and Learn session is Thursday, Feb. 16 at 12:05 p.m. in AH100. 3 Secrets to Stress Management will feature a presentation from chiropractor Dr. Pierre Gaulin.

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's wellness co-ordinator. This article was prepared with the assistance of Marci Neher-Schwengler RN, Heart Function Clinic/Heart Failure Network, Building Healthy Lifestyles.

Przybylski honoured by province

trevor.kenney — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:26:59 +0000

All four were recently recognized for their work with a special Premier's Award.

"Our province has an abundance of talent for producing healthy foods," says Premier Ed Stelmach. "Through the annual Alberta Food for Health Awards, we are able to bring attention to the healthy and delicious home-grown choices made available to Albertans by Albertans."

Przybylski was awarded for healthy food and nutrition research. Other award recipients include: the Spring Creek Ranch for healthy Alberta food sold through a retail outlet; the Seniors' Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) for healthy Alberta food sold through food service; Gordon's Homemade Sausage for healthy Alberta food for specialty diets.

Przybylski was selected as the Healthy Alberta food and nutrition researcher for contributing to leading edge research in the development of Omega-9 canola oil; a high-quality frying oil suitable for the same uses as traditional oils. The conversion of Omega-9 canola oil from hydrogenated oil helps to remove unhealthy trans and saturated fats from the North American diet. Providing this alternative can positively impact health problems such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Przybylski's research is helping to improve Alberta's food oil industry's processing and preparation practices while improving nutrition. Finalists in the award program had their products consumer taste-tested at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's consumer testing centre in Edmonton. The winners receive $10,000 each to promote their products or invest in future business growth and research.

Alberta Health and Wellness, Advanced Education and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, Alberta Innovates Bio Solution and Alberta
Innovates Health Solutions jointly manage the Alberta Food for Health Awards program.

The awards were developed to encourage food producers and researchers in the province to develop and research healthy food choices. For more information on the awards visit www.albertafoodforhealthawards.com.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Przybylski recognized by Premier

trevor.kenney — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:53:03 +0000

More healthy food products are on the shelves because of the efforts of three Alberta food producers and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researcher Dr. Roman Przybylski, (chemistry and biochemistry).

All four were recently recognized for their work with a special Premier's Award.

"Our province has an abundance of talent for producing healthy foods," says Premier Ed Stelmach. "Through the annual Alberta Food for Health Awards, we are able to bring attention to the healthy and delicious home-grown choices made available to Albertans by Albertans."

In addition to Przybylski, who was selected for healthy food and nutrition research, this year's award recipients are:

- Spring Creek Ranch for healthy Alberta food sold through a retail outlet

- Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) for healthy Alberta food sold through food service

- Gordon's Homemade Sausage for healthy Alberta food for specialty diets

Przybylski was selected as the Healthy Alberta food and nutrition researcher for contributing to leading edge research in the development of Omega-9 canola oil, a high-quality frying oil suitable for the same uses as traditional oils.

The conversion of Omega-9 canola oil from hydrogenated oil helps to remove unhealthy trans and saturated fats from the North American diet. Providing this alternative can positively impact health problems such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Przybylski's research is helping to improve Alberta's food oil industry's processing and preparation practices while improving nutrition.

New program tests health levels

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:09:37 +0000

How is your health? Do you have any idea how healthy you really are, or do you just wait until something's wrong?

We've got a new program for students, staff and faculty at the U of L called, Health Check for U. Health Screening is one way to increase your knowledge and, if necessary, get some tips on how to make small changes to improve or maintain your health.

The program is in two parts, with the levels detailed below:

Health Check for U - Level I
Fasting Cholesterol Testing

It's important to know your cholesterol numbers. The Vascular Risk Assessment group will be offering a mobile testing clinic that is available to any ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ department to provide a short cholesterol information session and then test cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The information session takes 30 minutes, with each individual health check taking 10 minutes. For a total of 40 minutes, you can invest in your health.

Health Check for U - Level II
Vascular Risk Screening

This very important program gives you an idea of your vascular risk. It will test your blood pressure and relate it to your weight, height and waist circumference. A fasting lipid and glucose profile will then be developed using a Cholestech machine. The data is then entered into the CV Health Manager, giving you a printout that details your 10-year cardiovascular risk.

The program also includes a one-on-one follow-up education and nutritional information session.

Again, a small time commitment will yield valuable information and help you make smart health choices down the road. The actual screening takes just 15 minutes, followed by the 30-minute follow-up session the next day.

Contact wellness co-ordinator Suzanne McIntosh (suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca, wellness@uleth.ca, 403-332-5217) to schedule a Health Check for U Level I or II session or if you would like more information.

How important is it to take control of your own health? Read this excerpt from an article in the latest Building Healthy Lifestyles newsletter.

February is heart month and since heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians, now is a good time to take a look at some facts about heart health.

Most people think of heart disease as one condition. But in fact, heart disease is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart, and has many root causes. Coronary artery disease, for example, develops when a combination of fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue (called plaque) builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries). The plaque buildup narrows the arteries and prevents the heart from getting enough blood.

You can prevent and manage heart disease in large part by controlling the known risk factors that could lead to it. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, mismanaged stress, physical inactivity and being overweight.

It is important to know and take control of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, to reduce and manage stress, and to follow up with your doctor regularly and listen to their advice.

For more on heart health tips and strategies, visit www.heartandstroke.ab.ca.

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's wellness co-orindator

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Striking a Balance

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:25:49 +0000

Wow, the end of the year is once again upon us. I know everyone is looking forward to the break at Christmas, and an opportunity to rejuvenate by reconnecting with family and friends.

Last year at this time, we talked about taking small steps to make changes towards your own health and wellness. Hopefully you have had the chance to do that throughout the year.

When you take care of yourself, it shows, and you then have more energy to take care of those around you. You only have one body, so it's important to put into place some checks to make sure you are taking care of you. Now is a good time to check your health and wellness action plan and get a jump-start on any 2011 resolutions.

Increase Physical Activity

Recent research shows that people who sit for long periods of time are prone to higher rates of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mortality. Why not try the 'Get Fit at Work' program – a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed specifically for you, to try throughout your day?

Incorporating small bouts of physical activity into your daily routine is another way of increasing physical activity. Simple things, like parking at the furthest end of the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and turning a coffee break into a walking break by walking around campus instead of sitting for that coffee.

Healthy Choices

Treat your body well by limiting your intake of sugar, tobacco and alcohol. Eat lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Mental Fitness

Keep challenging yourself to keep your mind sharp. Try different puzzles and games, or sign up for a course – something new to challenge your mind.

Positive Thinking

Try to remember the bright side. If you focus on your personal strengths, such as experience, sense of humour and unique abilities, your outlook will be much brighter.

Connect with Others

A network of supportive people helps to keep your heart happy. Are your family and friends far away? Try volunteering or giving some of your time – this keeps the focus off of you and gets you thinking of others. Practising random acts of kindness is another activity that can really enhance the way you feel.

Give yourself the gift of health and wellness this holiday season, one small step at a time. Check back in February for our Vascular Risk screening event, as well as Winter Walk Day. We also have a variety of interesting subjects lined up for our Spring Semester Lunch and Learn sessions, including: Laughter Fitness, Stress Busters and Beyond, Terrasol Body Talk (postponed from this fall) and Spice up your diet (with dietitian Diane Britton).

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's co-ordinator of Wellness Programs

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Bee Heart Smart begins May 1

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:40:53 +0000

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

It is that time of year again. The semester is wrapping up, spring is on the way, crocuses are blooming and your team should be gearing up for the 6th Annual Bee Heart Smart six-week physical activity challenge.

Running May 1 to June 14, this competition is open to staff and faculty with the goal of promoting active living by participating in walking, running, swimming, cycling or other physical activities.

Last year was my first year involved in this challenge and I enjoyed the enthusiasm and friendly competition exhibited. Our goal this year is to increase participation – in both total individuals (176 in 2009) and number of teams (17 in 2009) registered.

Rule changes for this year include a new time category for physical activity other than walking, running, cycling or swimming. Participants will now be able to record their time spent at the gym, engaging in activities such as yoga, pilates, or indoor soccer, to name a few.

There will also be two additional categories for running and cycling; allowing cyclists to either record the distance travelled (km) or time spent performing the activity.

Registration for the Bee Heart Smart challenge will be available through the Wellness website (www.uleth.ca/hum/wellness) or the Notice Board as of Apr. 16. Early Bird draw prizes will be available to those who register prior to May 1.

Record the following (daily or weekly):
• Number of steps (using a pedometer) or time for walking/running
• Number of km or time for cycling
• Number of laps for swimming
• Time spent performing other physical activity
Prizes will be drawn weekly for the top performers as well as random prizes for participation.
The benefits of getting involved in the Bee Heart Smart challenge are many.

Improved health
Walking just 30 minutes on most days can lead to significant health benefits. Aim for 10,000 steps per day – this can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Weight control
Just 2km of walking burns 100 calories. By adding 2km several times a week, you can burn an additional 500 calories a week.

Prizes
There will be prizes such as free monthly memberships to the fitness centre (from Sports and Recreation Services), pedometers,
U of L Bookstore gift certificates, movie passes, and a variety of other prizes. Weekly draws will be made for every level of participation.

Stress Relief
One of the most effective methods of stress relief is exercise. Physical activity provides an outlet for negative emotions such as frustration, anger and irritability, promoting a more positive mood and outlook. Your body releases greater amounts of endorphins which are the powerful pain-relieving, mood-elevating chemicals in the brain.

FUN!
Joining a team for Bee Heart Smart, not only makes physical activity more fun, but makes you more accountable to your team, which helps ensure ongoing participation. Remember it takes about three weeks to start a new habit, so six weeks of Bee Heart Smart will have you well on your way to continuing this physical activity throughout the summer.

Sport and Recreation Services will offer first time monthly memberships (for the month of May) to anyone participating in the Bee Heart Smart Challenge for $10 (a savings of $21.75).

Suzanne McIntosh is the wellness co-ordinator at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

Dietitian counsels to eat a rainbow

trevor.kenney — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:53:01 +0000

By DIANE BRITTON

Colourful vegetables and fruit pack a powerful nutrition punch. The closer your plate resembles a rainbow, the more nutrients you eat.

Why?
Vegetables and fruit are loaded in polyphenols; antioxidants that help reduce cardiovascular disease. Although there is no recommended amount for daily intake of polyphenols, there is a lot of research behind the 7-10 a day vegetable and fruit recommendation for adults on Canada's Food Guide, some of the main sources of polyphenols in our diet.

Peanuts
Watch your portions of this healthy fat choice containing the polyphenol resveratrol. The maximum daily recommended serving size for nuts and seeds is: 60 ml (or ¼ cup); 10 ml (2 teaspoons) oil; or 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of non-hydrogenated nut butter like peanut butter. Although healthy, a moderate intake is important because these are energy dense foods.

Green Tea
Loaded in polyphenols, you'd be wise to sip green tea more often.

Red Wine
While red wine contains polyphenols that help promote healthy arteries it is important to remember moderation. Health Canada recommends that if you drink alcohol, men should limit intake to not more than two drinks daily and women should limit intake to one drink per day.

Dark Chocolate
Flavonoids found in dark chocolate and cocoa powder may reduce the risk of heart disease. Chocolate is also loaded in fat and calories, so savour dark chocolate in small quantities.

If you're eating seven to 10 servings per day of vegetables and fruit, especially those with a wide variety of colours, you're on the right track to including polyphenols in your diet. Your heart will love you for it!

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for U of L students and employees.

Diane Britton is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's on-campus registered dietitian

Eat a rainbow

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:38:45 +0000

Colourful vegetables and fruit pack a powerful nutrition punch. The closer your plate resembles a rainbow, the more nutrients you eat.

Green Tea
Loaded in polyphenols, you'd be wise to sip green tea more often.

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at
403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for U of L students and employees.

Diane Britton is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's on-campus registered dietitian

Bee Heart Smart initiates a challenge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:35:07 +0000

It is that time of year again. The semester is wrapping up, spring is on the way, crocuses are blooming and your team should be gearing up for the 6th Annual Bee Heart Smart six-week physical activity challenge.

Running May 1 to June 14, this competition is open to staff and faculty with the goal of promoting active living by participating in walking, running, swimming, cycling or other physical activities.

There will also be two additional categories for running and cycling; allowing cyclists to either record the distance travelled (km) or time spent performing the activity.

Weight control
Just 2km of walking burns 100 calories. By adding 2km several times a week, you can burn an additional 500 calories a week.

Sport and Recreation Services will offer first time monthly memberships (for the month of May) to anyone participating in the Bee Heart Smart Challenge for $10 (a savings of $21.75).

Suzanne McIntosh is the wellness co-ordinator at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

Vascular risk assessment screening program extended

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:31:38 +0000

The health of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community is of the utmost importance, and as our population continues to age, certain risk factors cannot be avoided.

In October, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ introduced a Vascular Risk Assessment screening program for employees, and due to its overwhelming success, will continue with the program in January 2010.

Vascular disease (heart disease, diseases of the blood vessels and stroke) is the leading cause of death in North America, and accounts for the death of more Canadians than any other disease. In 2005, vascular disease accounted for 71,338 Canadian deaths.

The average age of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge employees is 45. Combine that with the fact that the risk of developing vascular disease increases dramatically by age 50, and it's readily apparent we have an at-risk population.

Employees are the U of L's most vital asset, and it is important to provide a risk assessment program and some follow up education and direction to employees so that they can reduce their risk of developing vascular disease.

The screening process itself is very quick and efficient, and only takes about 15 minutes. A finger poke blood sample is collected to measure LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as blood lipid and fasting glucose levels. The height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure are also measured and all data is entered into a computer software program provided by Pfizer Canada. This program generates a visual report that calculates the individual's absolute and relative cardiovascular risk as compared to other Canadians in the same gender and age category.

Those interested in taking part in the next round of the Vascular Risk Assessment program in January 2010 can contact Suzanne McIntosh at 5217 or via e-mail at Suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator, Wellness Programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

UNews - heart disease

Learning the truth about heart disease

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Przybylski honoured by province

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Bee Heart Smart begins May 1

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