Subject: February Newsletter: Heart Health Month

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Week: February 9-15
Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), coincides with both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month in an effort to draw greater national attention to heart health. This year’s theme, “New Start, Better Heart,” honors patients, families, and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to cardiac rehab as a vehicle for a healthy lifestyle. Cardiac Rehab helps patients recover faster from an acute cardiac event and return to full and productive lives. It is a safe and effective way to help you feel better and stronger faster.

Planet Heart - A Simple Test with Life Saving Results
Planet Heart’s Heart Check is a cardiovascular risk identification and reduction program operated by Spencer Hospital, using guidelines established by the Avera Heart Hospital. A heart check is recommended for men age 40 years and older and for women age 45 and older. The program includes the following screening components: Calcium score CT (read by a radiologist), Blood Pressure, Body Mass index, Waist circumference, Diet Quality Index, and Cholesterol and blood sugar.

Upon completion of the above screening components, one of the Planet Heart educators reviews the results with participants. Participants are given education regarding their results as compared to moderate or high-risk factors. Participants are also educated about stress management and physical activity.

Each screening costs $50. Insurance claims are not filed on behalf of participants. Acceptable methods of payment: Credit, debit, cash or check. Call Spencer Hospital’s Diagnostic Department, (712) 264-6500 to schedule your screening appointment.

Eat Smart for a Better Heart: Heart Health Nutrition
February is heart health month and a great time to think about a heart-healthy eating plan. Spencer Hospital dietitian, Darlene DeWitt, provides some quick tips below and more suggestions, plus a recipe if you follow the link.

Following a Mediterranean Diet or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet are great options to use, and you can find recipes and cookbooks that are specific to these diets to give you lots of great ideas that you can use every day. A few key points to a heart-healthy eating plan include:

Increase fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals we need; they also have antioxidants that protect your health, and natural fibers to lower cholesterol. Eat a rainbow to get lots of different colors every day.


The Sounds of Silence: Defining Communication Disorders & How Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help
You probably take your hearing and speech for granted. But think for a minute what life would be like in a silent world. No talking, no listening…no communication.

Communication is the heart and soul of human existence. Our ability to communicate lets us build relationships, learn from others and, ultimately, to live in society. In this article, speech-language pathologist, Laura Johnson, describes common disorders and how therapy can help. Follow the link for more information.

If you or someone you know is having difficulties with speech, language or swallowing, please contact our Speech-Language Pathologists for more information. They are located in Spencer Hospital’s Rehab Services department and can be reached at 712-264-6189.
Local Healthcare Scholarships Available - Apply Soon
Applications are now being accepted for the Bennie B. and Ernestine F. Shine Scholarship, Adam J. Anderson Scholarship, as well as the Cornwall Loan Program. All programs are designed to help area students pursue healthcare careers.

The application deadline for both the Shine & Anderson Scholarship and Cornwall Loan is March 31, 2020. Recipients will be notified of their award in April. Students interested in applying for the scholarship or loan program should contact Danelle Stumbo, Human Resource Development Director at Spencer Hospital, 712-264-6623. Applications for each healthcare education funding opportunity are also available on our website by following the link below.

Quick Care: Extended Winter Hours
Quick Care services are for those urgent health visits which aren't emergencies yet feel like one - such as ear aches, scratchy throats, a low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. 

Call Avera Medical Group Spencer for a Quick Care appointment (712) 264-3500.

Quick Care Winter Hours:
Monday-Thursday | 3:30PM - 6:30PM
Fridays |  3:30PM - 5PM
Saturdays | 8AM - 2:30PM

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1200 First Ave East, Spencer, Iowa 51301, United States
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