Educational Information

Education is key to a healthy heart.

PAD Info

Peripheral Artery Disease is a chronic circulatory condition, which if left untreated can result in unnecessary limb amputations. PAD affects approximately 18 million US citizens, and 160,000 to 180,000 of those patients are estimated to undergo limb amputation. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and age over 50. Common symptoms include:

Leg pain when walking
Muscle pain or cramping in legs and calf triggered by activity
Leg numbness or weakness
Coldness on lower leg or foot
Sores on toes, legs or feet that won’t heal
Change in color of leg

Vein Info

Approximately 1 in 5 adult Americans suffer from superficial venous insufficiency, the disease that causes varicose veins and other symptoms that can impact your quality of life. Now there are non-surgical treatment methods that has less pain and bruising than the traditional vein stripping procedure, with minimal-to-no- downtime or scarring. Common symptoms include:

Visual appearance of bulging veins
Pain (an aching or cramping feeling)
Heaviness/tiredness
Burning or tingling sensations
Swelling/throbbing
Tender areas around the veins

Heart Healthy Foods / Snacks

Choosing to eat better and live a healthier lifestyle is definitely a good place to start in improving heart health. As always, talk to your physician about your risks and the steps you can take to help prevent heart disease. Here are examples of Heart Healthy Food/Snacks.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, fruits and veggies also have fiber, which lowers cholesterol and improves heart health. Pull them out first when you want something to eat. Remember, you need 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day.

Apples
Berries
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Dark leafy greens
Eggplant
Grapes
Kale
Oranges
Pears
Squash
Tomatoes
Zucchini

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Dairy is a great source of calcium. Just skip the cream, and choose low-fat or nonfat options.

Buttermilk, low-fat or nonfat
Cheese, nonfat or reduced-fat
Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, nonfat or 1%
Cream cheese, nonfat or light
Creamers, nonfat
Milk, skim or 1%
Sour cream, nonfat
Yogurt, nonfat or 1%

Soy milk, almond milk, and other non-dairy products may also be options. Check to see if they’re fortified with calcium and other nutrients. When shopping for these drinks, choose the unsweetened products to avoid added sugar.