Heart Smart
 St. Francis is excited
to present our new
"Heart Smart" magazine,
just off the presses!
This issue focuses on making heart-healthy choices, like addingmore exercise intoyour weekly routineand choosing smarter foods at the supermarket. Would you like to
reserve your copy?
Please write us an email
with your name and
mailing address, and
we'll be happy to send
one to you!
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Walk for
your Heart
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Did you know that by walking regularly, you can decrease your risk of a heart attack
and diabetes?
Walking also helps with weight control, improvement of
muscle tone, and
reduction of stress. St. Francis employees have just embarked on a new START! Walking Challenge, called "St. Francis Sole Mates," which encourages taking a brisk daily walk with a buddy. We encourage you to grab a friend and start walking, too! A great time to start is
"National Walk at
Lunch Day"on Wednesday, April 29. We'll be there with our tennis shoes on!
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Greetings!
Stress is unavoidable, especially right now -- it's tax season, spring cleaning looms, and all you want to do is have a moment of peace. We understand, and we're here to help! Check out our tips on decreasing stress, and learn how it not only relieves your state of mind but is also is better for your heart.
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Stress Less, Live Happier!
Stress is one of the main causes of heart disease - and who doesn't occasionally have stress? Try putting some of the following tips into practice to help your heart and your sanity!
Try yoga.
Besides being a great workout, yoga can provide cardiovascular benefits
by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving
oxygen uptake during exercise.
Get a good night's sleep. On average, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Start by establishing a regular bedtime, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding bright lights (like the TV) about an hour before bedtime. Some people don't get quality sleep due to sleep apnea, which can also affect heart health. If you think you may have sleep apnea, contact the St. Francis Sleep Disorder Center for an appointment.
Carve out some "me time." Busy adults often have so many commitments that they forget to set aside time to do things they enjoy. Time for yourself is not a reward. It's a necessity! Take some time each week to do something you love: explore the outdoors, check out a new book, catch a new movie, garden, or take a quick shopping trip.
Get moving. We know what you're thinking: "how am I supposed to exercise when I have so much to do?" The answer? It doesn't have to be a big time commitment! A ten-minute walk around the neighborhood here, taking the extra set of stairs there...it all adds
up, and it works to reduce stress while building a healthy heart.
Want more tips like these? Order our free Heart Smart magazine!
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Healthy Skin, Healthy Lifestyle
Despite our strange weather of late, the sun is starting to shine and warmer days will soon be here! As you start to spend more time outside, remember that sunscreen alone is not
enough to protect your delicate skin:
When choosing a sunscreen, select an SPF of 15 or higher, and apply every day. Now, most cosmetics even include SPF 15 or better.
- If you're going to be out an extended time, like at the beach or in your yard, apply 1 oz. of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
- Between 10 a.m.. and 4 p.m., avoid spending too much time directly in the sun -- the UV rays are most intense then.
- Choose UV-blocking sunglasses and/or a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face from too much sun exposure.
- Avoid tanning and do not let your skin burn.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. Need a doctor? Click here to find a physician that's right for you.
St. Francis, in partnership with Greenville area dermatologists, is sponsoring a Skin Cancer Screening on Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. It's FREE, and you can register now by calling 255-1043. Let them know you heard about it in Vive! |
The Vive! newsletter was created for women to offer education
and lifestyle tips for better knowledge and care for your health.
Find more information online, and tell a friend!
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www.stfrancishealth.org