What is HealthyU

• Risk Reduction:  A program designed to reduce the risk of having a heart attack for those who are at high or very high risk. The HealthyU Risk Reduction Program offers an initial assessment, the development of an action plan and follow-up consults with a cardiac specialist, registered dietitian and/or exercise physiologist. 
• Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation:  Specifically designed for those who have known disease and have had, or been diagnosed, with a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, stable angina, stent, valve surgery or heart failure. This program offers an initial evaluation with a cardiovascular specialist, development of a specialized risk management action plan, prescribed and monitored exercise, one-on-one education and group education.  Physician referral required.
• HEARTaware / Community Heart Checks: The Heart Check includes lipid and glucose analysis, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference measurement, heart disease risk assessment, and consultation with a member of the HealthyU team to design an individualized action plan.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy:  Outpatient medical nutrition therapy services are offered by our registered dietician. Nutrition assessment will include education, goal setting and motivational techniques to prevent or treat disease.  Our dietician specializes in cardiovascular nutrition, wellness and weight loss.

The Complete Approach

In an effort to save lives, Deaconess Medical Center has developed Healthy U, a unique, comprehensive program that places special emphasis on reduction of risk reduction and management of cardiovascular disease.  Our expert staff (a cardiologist, registered nurses, a dietitian and an exercise physiologist) will work closely with you and your physician to develop the most appropriate plan using a variety of treatment options including lifestyle interventions and/or medications.  Our goal is to assist you in making lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk of having future or continued heart problems.

The Program Includes:

• An individualized action plan to help focus on heart health
  
• State-of-the-art computerized risk evaluation
  
• Multidisciplinary treatment strategies
  
• Aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors
  
• Supervised exercise classes for both outpatient cardiac rehab and risk reduction patients
  
• Cholesterol, lipoprotein and glucose measurements
  
• Nutritional assessment, education, consultations and follow-up
  
• Education and counseling to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle
  
• Follow-up consults at regular intervals
  
• Activity analysis and prescription

If you are ready to make a change or would like more information, contact the Preventive Cardiology Department at Deaconess Medical Center
473-7901.