admin, Author at Baltimore Cardiologists - Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates

World Heart Day: Raising Awareness for Global Heart Health

September 28, 2023

World Heart Day is an annual event celebrated on September 29th to raise awareness about the importance of heart health and promote heart-healthy habits worldwide. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and World Heart Day is an opportunity to bring attention to this important issue and encourage people to take action to reduce their risk of heart disease.

The theme for World Heart Day 2021 is “Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease,” which emphasizes the role of individual action in reducing the global burden of heart disease. Here are some ways you can get involved in raising awareness for global heart health on World Heart Day:

Share information on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and sharing information about heart health. Share facts, statistics, and resources on your social media accounts to help educate your followers about the importance of heart health.

Wear red
Wearing red is a symbol of support for heart health and can help raise awareness about the global impact of heart disease. Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to wear red on World Heart Day and share photos on social media using the hashtag #WorldHeartDay.

Organize a community event
Organize a community event like a walk or run to raise awareness and promote heart-healthy habits. You could also organize a healthy cooking demonstration or a heart health seminar to educate your community about the importance of heart health.

Get involved with a heart health organization
There are many organizations dedicated to promoting heart health and reducing the global burden of heart disease. Get involved with a local or national organization to volunteer, donate, or participate in events and activities.

Take action for your own heart health
Finally, taking action for your own heart health is one of the most important things you can do to support global heart health. Make sure you are following heart-healthy habits like eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.

In conclusion, World Heart Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the global impact of heart disease and promote heart-healthy habits worldwide. By sharing information on social media, wearing red, organizing a community event, getting involved with a heart health organization, and taking action for your own heart health, you can help make a difference in the fight against heart disease.

Back to School: Encouraging Heart-Healthy Habits in Children

August 1, 2023

As children head back to school, it’s important to encourage heart-healthy habits that can set them up for a lifetime of good health. Developing healthy habits early on can help reduce the risk of heart disease later in life, and it can also improve academic performance and overall well-being. Here are some tips for encouraging heart-healthy habits in children:

Encourage Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is essential for heart health, and it can also improve mood, concentration, and overall well-being. Encourage your child to get at least one hour of physical activity every day, whether it’s through sports, active play, or structured exercise.

Offer Healthy Snacks and Meals

A healthy diet is essential for heart health, and it can also improve academic performance and overall well-being. Offer your child a variety of healthy snacks and meals that are high in nutrients and low in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Encourage Good Sleep Habits

Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health, and it can also improve academic performance and mood. Encourage your child to get enough sleep every night by setting a consistent bedtime routine and minimizing screen time before bed.

Teach Stress-management Techniques

Stress can have a negative impact on heart health and overall well-being. Teach your child stress-management techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or exercise, to help them cope with stress in a healthy way.

Be a positive role model

Children learn by example, so be a positive role model for heart-healthy habits. Make physical activity a regular part of your routine, prepare and eat healthy meals together as a family, and practice stress-management techniques together.

Encouraging heart-healthy habits in children is essential for promoting lifelong health and well-being. By encouraging physical activity, offering healthy snacks and meals, encouraging good sleep habits, teaching stress-management techniques, and being a positive role model, you can help your child develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

The content was a collaboratively written by a human author with the assistance of an AI language model, is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Heart Health

July 1, 2023

Diabetes and heart disease are two of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the world and are closely linked. In fact, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those without diabetes. But what is the link between these two conditions, and how can you reduce your risk of heart disease if you have diabetes?

Understanding the link between diabetes and heart health begins with understanding how diabetes affects the body. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly process glucose, the primary energy source for cells. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves over time.

When blood vessels are damaged, it can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. This can narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to flow through, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes can also cause damage to nerves that control the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to a condition called autonomic neuropathy, which can cause changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions that can increase the risk of heart disease.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk of heart disease if you have diabetes? Here are some tips:

Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels

Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that works for you, which may include medication, diet, exercise, and monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking are all important for reducing the risk of heart disease. These lifestyle factors can also help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health.

Manage Other Risk Factors

If you have diabetes, you may be at a higher risk for other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Work with your healthcare provider to manage these risk factors through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.

Get Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your blood sugar levels and other risk factors for heart disease. They can also help detect any complications early on, which can improve treatment outcomes.

Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked, and managing blood sugar levels and other risk factors is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease if you have diabetes. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing other risk factors, and getting regular check-ups, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Heart-Healthy Summer Barbecue Recipes and Tips

June 1, 2023

As the weather heats up and summer approaches, many people look forward to enjoying barbecues with family and friends. While barbecues are a fun way to spend time with loved ones, it’s important to keep in mind that some barbecue foods can be high in fat, salt, and sugar, which can be harmful to your heart health.

Fortunately, there are plenty of heart-healthy barbecue recipes and tips that you can use to create a delicious and healthy summer meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose lean proteins: Instead of fatty cuts of meat like ribs or sausages, opt for leaner proteins like skinless chicken breasts or turkey burgers. You can also incorporate plant-based proteins like tofu or black bean burgers.
Load up on veggies: Grilled veggies are a healthy and tasty addition to any barbecue meal. Try grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or corn on the cob. You can also make a delicious salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Use healthy marinades: Marinades can add flavor to your meats without adding extra fat and calories. Try using a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like basil or thyme. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Limit the salt: Barbecue sauces and marinades can be high in sodium, which can be harmful to your heart health. Look for low-sodium versions or make your own sauce using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer weather. Opt for water or unsweetened beverages like iced tea or sparkling water instead of sugary drinks.

With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy a heart-healthy summer barbecue that’s both delicious and nutritious. By choosing lean proteins, loading up on veggies and fruits, keeping it simple with herbs and spices, and serving a variety of sides, you can create a meal that’s good for your heart and your taste buds. Give these recipes a try and enjoy a healthy summer barbecue!

Spring into Action: Outdoor Activities to Promote Heart Health

May 8, 2023

As the weather warms up and spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the outdoors and engage in activities that promote heart health. Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other medical conditions. Here are a few outdoor activities that can help keep your heart healthy and strong.

Walking or hiking: One of the simplest and most accessible outdoor activities is walking or hiking. It’s a low-impact exercise that can be adjusted to your fitness level and helps improve cardiovascular health. To make it more engaging, explore local trails or parks and enjoy the beauty of nature as you walk. Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, or cycling, our area has many great places to explore. Here are the 20 Best Trails in Baltimore from AllTrails!
Cycling: Cycling is another great way to promote heart health while enjoying the outdoors. It’s an excellent low-impact exercise that strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, there’s an option for everyone.
Gardening: Did you know that gardening can contribute to better heart health? It’s a therapeutic activity that helps reduce stress and provides a moderate workout, including bending, stretching, and lifting. Looking for inspiration? Here are the Best Baltimore Gardens from Trip Advisor.
Swimming: If you have access to an outdoor pool, lake, or beach, swimming is an excellent low-impact activity that provides a full-body workout and improves cardiovascular health.
Outdoor group sports: Joining a local sports team or participating in group sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis can be a fun way to socialize and improve heart health. These activities provide a good cardiovascular workout and help build endurance.
Yoga or Pilates in the park: Taking your yoga or Pilates practice outdoors can be a refreshing change. Both activities promote flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, which can help reduce stress and contribute to heart health.
Running or jogging: Running or jogging is a high-impact activity that can significantly improve cardiovascular health when done regularly. You can start with short distances and gradually increase your endurance over time.

Remember that any physical activity is better than none, so choose the ones you enjoy the most and make them a part of your daily routine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns. Happy spring, and here’s to a heart-healthy season!

Welcome Hannah McCabe,
PA-C!

May 5, 2023

Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates is excited to announce the recent hire of Hannah McCabe, PA-C! Hannah has joined our inpatient care team at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

Hannah McCabe completed her graduate studies at University of Nebraska Medical Center where she earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2017. Hannah has been working in the field of Cardiology her entire career and joined Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates in October of 2022.

Hannah enjoys caring for all patients and has a particular expertise in the care of ischemic heart disease and heart failure management. She also enjoys taking time to educate physician assistant students and has given a series of Cardiology lectures at The George Washington University PA Program over the past couple years.

In her free time Hannah enjoys going on bike rides with her son and husband. She also has a robust list of hobbies including cooking, baking, crocheting, embroidery, photography, and reading to name a few.

Hannah’s warm personality and professionalism has already made her a valued member of our team so we can provide timely and expert care to our patients who need hospital care.

World Heart Day: Raising Awareness for Global Heart Health