Mending Hearts at Sinai

by Beth Markowitz, Manager, Volunteer Services at Sinai

Sinai Hospital is extremely fortunate to host the only Baltimore chapter of Mended Heart Patient Visitors. The volunteers each have personal experience with heart disease, and are able to connect on an emotional level when they visit our patients at the Heart Center at Sinai.

Mended Hearts is a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, and offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years. Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums. Their mission is to "inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families." There is also a program for families of children with heart disease called Mended Little Hearts.

Sinai currently has seven mended hearts volunteers who visit patients on the second floor and offer support and assurance to patients and families. This connection often inspires the volunteers to go above and beyond. For example, one of our Mended Hearts recently waited for a patient through their procedure when they had no family. Another Mended Heart comforted a patient for more than an hour when the patient was feeling depressed. Pictured above are two of our Mended Hearts volunteers, Fran and Jack Becker.

In my opinion, Mended Hearts are a wonderful complement to the comprehensive care given in the Heart Center at Sinai Hospital!

To learn more about Volunteer Services at Sinai, you can call 410-601-WELL (9355).

LifeBridge Health Goes Red For Women

Patients, visitors and employees were literally seeing red at Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (pictured above) and Sinai Hospital on Friday. To draw attention to women and heart health, staff members took part in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2011 National Wear Red Day. You can also click below to hear Margaret Ferski, RN, BSN

Manager of Patient Care Services at Sinai.

Cherry, burgundy, ruby and scarlet colored clothes, jewelry and shoes were seen on women and men throughout the hospital.

Coronary heart disease, which can cause heart attacks, is the number one killer of women in the United States. In fact, twice as many women die of heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

That’s why the annual Go Red for Women Day is so important to LifeBridge Health employees. They want everyone to understand that knowledge is power, and that knowing the risk factors of heart disease and ways to live a healthy lifestyle can make the difference between life and death. Learn more about your risk factors for heart disease here.

In keeping with the idea that there’s no better time to modify our diets, the Employee Activities Committee at Sinai also asked staff members for their most delicious heart healthy recipes to share. Here is one of the favorites.

Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon
Ingredients:
1 scallion, minced
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 pound center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
Whisk scallion, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and ginger in a medium bowl until the honey is dissolved.
Place salmon in a sealable plastic bag, add 3 tablespoons of the sauce and refrigerate; let marinate for 15 minutes. Reserve the remaining sauce.
Preheat broiler. Line a small baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
Transfer the salmon to the pan, skinned-side down. (Discard the marinade.)
Broil the salmon 4 to 6 inches from the heat source until cooked through, 6 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
-Helene King

Sinai President Named to Goverment Commission

Neil Meltzer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sinai Hospital, has been named to the U.S. Government Accountability Office's National Health Care Workforce Commission. The new commission consists of 15 members that are appointed by Gene Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO.

The commission, which was created under the health care reform law, will play a key role in recommending ways to create a robust health care workforce, such as the need for more primary care physicians, and to ensure improvement in the overall quality of care. Commission members will act as a resource for Congress, the President, and state officials, plus encourage and evaluate educational and training activities.

As the immediate past National Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association and President of Sinai Hospital, Meltzer is highly qualified to advise policy makers on ways to improve and expand the health care workforce.

"It is an honor to have an opportunity to work on behalf of those in Baltimore and beyond in helping to shape programs and policies," Meltzer says. "I look forward to ensuring that we have a well-trained health care workforce that can meet the current and future needs of all Americans."

Meltzer earned his bachelor's degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts and a master's degree in Public Health and Health Administration from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

You can read an interview with the Baltimore Sun and Meltzer about his position here.

Sinai President to Attend President's Town Hall

As immediate past president of the American Heart Association, Sinai Hospital president Neil Meltzer has been a national leader on health care issues and an advocate for health equity.

You are invited to tune into President Barack Obama's Town Hall Meeting on CNBC Monday, as Meltzer will be a guest in the audience, and will hopefully get a chance to ask a question. This special live event, called "Investing in America: A CNBC Town Hall Event with President Obama," is a chance for audience members to ask questions directly to the President. The Town Hall, which begins at noon, is being held at the Newseum. CNBC's John Harwood will moderate the event.

You can read more about Meltzer by reading last month's Jewish Times cover story.

Two Presidents Meet over Heart Health

Sinai President Neil Meltzer and former President Bill Clinton recently shared a New York stage, drawn together by a mutual passion - improving the health of children in the United States.

The men gave out Alliance for a Healthier Generation awards at an event to acknowledge 179 schools across the country that have created innovative, healthy environments where students and staff members can thrive.

“I was proud to be part of this touching ceremony as one of my last duties as Chairman of the American Heart Association,” says Meltzer, whose one-year tenure at AHA ends this month. “A major goal I set during my time as chairman was to spearhead efforts to decrease childhood obesity in this country by making substantive changes in the culture of our schools.”

Each school recognized by the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program had met or exceeded strict standards set through healthy eating and physical activity policies.

More than 9,000 schools in all 50 states have made the commitment to make modifications to turn the tide on childhood obesity.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation was founded through a joint partnership of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

“Spending time with President Clinton was also a highlight of the evening for me,” adds Meltzer. “We spoke like two old friends about his daughter's upcoming wedding, what we're both doing for our respective heart health, what's happening in Haiti and in Africa. We also shared travel stories about our respective African trips and our mutual desire to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania."

-Helene King

Diabetes Can Cause Cardiology Complications

by Helene King

Living with diabetes can be challenging by itself. However, if people with type 2 diabetes don’t manage their conditions, they could develop heart disease.

In fact, the numbers are frightening. Heart disease and strokes are the number one killers of people with type 2 diabetes. Both are responsible for the about 65 percent of the deaths of people with diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, those with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the connection and to learn to take preventive methods.

Cardiologists and endocrinologists from Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital say the link makes sense. Diabetes happens when there is a breakdown in the way our bodies turn food into fat and energy. Most of the food we ingest is turned into glucose, also called blood sugar. Glucose is the primary fuel for our bodies. However, over time, if our blood glucose is too high, it can harm our blood vessels and nerves. That’s because both are an important part of our cardiovascular systems.

However, the news is not all doom and gloom. Each person has the power to control many factors associated with both diabetes and heart disease through education and determination.

It’s no surprise that eating healthy is a major factor in delaying or preventing these two health challenges. However, just as important is setting nutritional goals that each person is able to reach and then keep. It’s not question of going on a diet or cutting out certain foods if that will end in failure. The changes need to be a lifestyle change. The key is to work with a dietitian and other heart and diabetes experts to put together a personal plan that gives each individual the best chance of succeeding.

It’s also not shocking that exercise is another crucial component in the fight against both heart disease and diabetes. Again, what’s significant here is creating a routine that can be followed. Choosing an effective workout that keeps a person motivated is necessary to make sure a person incorporates it into daily life. There are as many ways to become, and stay, active as there are hobbies that people enjoy.

Taking prescribed medication, not smoking and support from family members can also make all of the difference for people with heart disease and diabetes.

To learn more, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

LifeBridge Health Employees Will "Go Red" To Fight Heart Disease

by Helene King

You’re enjoying a sunny day, playing with your kids. Suddenly, you’re short of breath, you have back pain and you’re sick to your stomach.

What’s happening? According to experts at the Heart Center at Sinai, you could be having a heart attack. Surprisingly, especially with women, intense chest pain is not always an indicator of an attack.

February is American Heart Month. In an effort to help raise awareness and educate women about this danger, LifeBridge Health is joining with the American Heart Association and millions of people around the country for national Go Red Day on Friday, February 5.
Employees at Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center are being encouraged to dress in red. The effort is intended to start discussions about what heart disease is, what the symptoms are and how it can be prevented.

The employee activities committee at each LifeBridge Health center is spearheading the efforts. In addition later in the month, Sinai Hospital will donate proceeds from a candy sale from its Employee Appreciation Day to the Go Red campaign. The reasoning is that women should be conscious about their hearts all year, not just for one day.

LifeBridge Health & Fitness is also celebrating a heart healthy lifestyle this month. Members are invited to a "Heart and Soles" walking club Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., and those members who wear red on Friday can bring a guest for free on Friday, February 5. Other events include a "heart smart" cooking demo and a Diet-to-Go tasting.

Cardiovascular disease is often thought of as a "man's disease." However, it is the number one killer of women, more than all cancers together.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly, with mild pain or pressure that can disappear and return. The other warning signs can include chest pain; discomfort in the arm, back neck or jaw; shortness of breath and nausea. Trouble breathing may happen with or without chest discomfort.

If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with any of the other symptoms, call 9-1-1 for help.

For more information about the Heart Center at Sinai, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk Raises Money

More than 8,000 people put their best feet forward recently for the 2009 Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk in Federal Hill Park.

The gray day didn’t dampen any spirits as runners and walkers trekked along the 5K route to raise money for research in the battle against heart disease and strokes.

And raise money they did…$900,000!

In addition to the dollars and cents, The Start! Heart Walk was designed to be a rewarding fun experience that promotes physical activity.

While it’s up to individuals to make strides toward heart-healthy living, some businesses are also pitching in to help their employees.

“These companies are a part of an elite group of organizations nationwide who have been able to attain the American Heart Association’s Fit Friendly designation,” Neil Meltzer, the president of the American Heart Association and the president of Sinai Hospital, told the crowd.

“They lead the way to inspire healthy workplaces and a culture of wellness in our community. At Sinai Hospital, we take great pride in our designation as a Fit Friendly Company.”

The Greater Baltimore Walk was on of three walks in Maryland and one of many more across the country.

Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, is still the number one killer in the United States. More than 860,000 Americans died from it in 2005.

However, most people can dramatically reduce their risks by making a simple changes in their daily lives and by receiving early diagnosis and treatment.

To make an appointment with a cardiologist or to learn more about heart disease, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Sinai President Leads American Heart Association

Neil M. Meltzer, M.P.H., president and chief operating officer of Sinai Hospital, began today as the new national chairman of the board of the American Heart Association. He will be responsible for the association’s business affairs, public relations and fund raising, and will preside over all Board of Directors and Administrative Cabinet meetings. Meltzer has been an American Heart Association volunteer since 1995. He chaired the association’s Advocacy Coordinating Committee from 2006 to 2008 and is a board member with the association’s Mid-Atlantic Affiliate.

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — it funds cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or click here.

Cardiac Arrest Requires Immediate Response

After the death of Michael Jackson, there are a lot of questions about cardiac arrest.

The American Heart Association, headed by Sinai Hospital President Neil Meltzer as of July 1, recommends knowing the warning signs of cardiac arrest, such as a loss of consciousness, cessation of normal breathing and loss of pulse and blood pressure. A common underlying reason for patients to die suddenly from cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease. Brain death and permanent death start to occur in just 4 to 6 minutes.

While it's not known what caused Jackson's cardiac arrest, Sinai Hospital cardiologist Ali Tabrizchi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, says there are several factors that can put a person at high risk. These are coronary and structural heart disease, metabolic abnormalities, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. Non-cardiac causes include infections, drug overdoses, trauma, or cancer.

People often confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest. Dr. Tabrizchi explains that a cardiac arrest is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively, whereas, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a beating heart is interrupted. For example, a heart attack can occur when a buildup of plaque blocks one of your coronary arteries.

A year ago, another prominent celebrity, Tim Russert, died after suffering cardiac arrest. However, Russert had symptomatic coronary artery disease, while the details of Jackson's health are not yet known.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore sponsors Go Red For Women event at Towson Town Center, Saturday, February 7

February is Heart Awareness month. Come join Sinai Hospital for an American Heart Association's Go Red For Women event.

It will be held this Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Towson Town Center in front of Macy's Department store. Sinai Hospital is the only heart hospital for this event that includes basic women's heart profile screenings, a talk by Stacy Fisher, M.D., Sinai's director of women's heart program, and a fashion show coordinated by Baltimore-based fashion guru Travis Winkey. A fashion-show producer and modeling-studio owner, Winkey has staged runway galas in New York, Paris, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Far East, and has worked with such fashion designers as Hugo Boss, Donna Byrd, and Willie Smith.

The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Towson Town Center is located at 825 Dulaney Valley Rd, in Towson, Maryland.

MACY'S WEAR RED SALE

February 4 - February 8

After getting a heart health checkup, shop at Macy's and get an extra 20 percent off most regular, sale and clearance purchases when you wear red. Forgot your red duds? Purchase a Red Dress Pin for $2 at any register and get the extra savings. Macy's will donate all Red Dress Pin proceeds to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement. Or shop online and save an extra 15 to 20 percent with promo code WEARRED.