Listen to Your Heart, LLUMC Says

Herbert Atienza
Loma Linda University Medical Center

Have you listened to your heart lately?

February is “Heart Awareness Month” and Loma Linda University International Heart Institute is making it easy for all to take charge of their heart health.

Personal heart screenings are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital, 26780 Barton Road, Redlands, CA 92373.

As the leader of heart care in the Inland Empire, Loma Linda University International Heart Institute provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment for people of all ages. Skilled and experienced heart physicians will work with you and answer your questions about the heart.

Call 909-558-4791 to schedule your time for the personal heart screening and to discuss the fee.

Speaking of heart health, choosing the right foods and lifestyle is key not just for heart, but overall health as well.

Now, everyone can get the chance to learn more about keeping healthy at the upcoming “Healthy People: The Lifestyle Conference,” hosted by Loma Linda University School of Public Health and presented by Loma Linda University Medical Center. The conference will be March 8 and 9 at the Loma Linda University Drayson Center.

Healthy People 2011, the region’s premier conference of lifestyle and chronic disease, will focus on bringing awareness to the health and environmental impact our daily food choices make. This year’s world-class lineup of speakers and their topics include:

• Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, director of Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, on “Ending the Coronary Artery Disease Epidemic;”
• Dr. Loel Solomon, vice-president, Community Health, Kaiser Permanente, on “The High Cost of Cheap Food;”
• Jeffrey Smith, president and founder, Institute for Responsible Technology, on “The Impact of Food Choice: Health Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods;”
• Keith Fentonmiller, senior attorney, Federal Trade Commission, on “Food Marketing to Children and Adolescents: the FTC’s Perspective;” and
• Dr. Harold Goldstein, executive director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy, on “The Role of Public Policy in Changing the Food and Beverage Environment.”

In addition to the speakers and presentation, representatives from more than 50 nutrition and health-focused organizations will have a presence at the event. Prior to the conference, the films “Food, Inc.” and “Forks Over Knives,” will be screened to the public for free. To register, find out rates, or for more information about the conference and supporting activities, go to www.HealthyPeopleConference.org

We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sheela  T. Patel, who joins the Loma Linda University faculty as an Assistant Professor in Vascular Surgery.

Dr. Patel comes to us after several years of academic practice at The University of Miami.  Her prior training includes a fellowship at The University of Arizona Health Science Center in Vascular/Endovascular Surgery.  She performed her General Surgery Residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Tufts-New England Medical.  

She received her medical school education at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Patel is board certified in Vascular Surgery as well as General Surgery.  Her clinical areas of interest include:  carotid disease, aneurysms, varicose veins, dialysis access, and angioplasty/stenting.