Health & Lifestyle

Story by Betty Klinck

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and recent research suggests that going to a hospital rated highly for heart care matters. By delivering such high-quality care to the Washington, D.C. region, Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital has received two national recognitions for its heart program.

Washington Adventist Hospital received the highest distinction for excellence in heart surgery from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and was also recognized for efficient, effective and rapid treatment of heart attacks by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an Institute of the American College of Cardiology.

The STS awarded the hospital a Three-Star rating – the highest possible quality rating – for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), the most common type of open-heart surgery in the U.S. Washington Adventist Hospital is among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide to achieve a Three-Star rating.

“The Three-Star rating in CABG is very important to us. It is a measure of excellent outcomes for our patients,” said Paul Massimiano, MD, the hospital’s medical director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery. “It designates a very high standard and it validates the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in our cardiac program.”

Thanksgiving and Christmas meals don't have to be full of fat and sugar. Try these healthy, hearty vegetarian recipes from chef Clara Iuliano, first published in the 2012 Visitor calendar.

Nutty Harvest Loaf

2 c chopped onions

3 c chopped celery

1 lb extra firm, water-packed tofu

½ c reduced fat mayonnaise or Nayonaise

¼ c reduced sodium soy sauce

1 ½ tsp sage

1 tsp onion powder

4 ½ c organic herb stuffing (e.g., Arrowhead Mills)

2/3 c chopped walnuts

2/3 c chopped pecans

First cold-press extra virgin olive oil for sautéing

Seventh-day Adventists across the Columbia Union Conference celebrated Let’s Move! Day September 18, but the emphasis on exercise and healthy living doesn’t have to stop, even as the temperatures get colder.

According to Adventist HealthCare's website, exercising in the winter boosts your immune system. It also notes studies that show that people who exercise regularly get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than those who don't exercise.

Story by Livingwell Staff

LivingWell, formerly known as Potomac ABC, is hosting their Fall Fitness Festival this Sunday, September 18  from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 12004 Cherry Hill Road, Silver Spring, Md.

“We excited to host this event to show our customers and the community the benefits of being physically, mentally and spiritually fit.  We believe a fitness lifestyle benefits all aspects of a person’s life and we’re looking forward to sharing information that can assist our customers on their journey to fitness in all of these area,” says Laura Worf, General Manager of LivingWell.

The first 50 customers through the door will receive “goodie bags” filled with a variety of fitness items.  Free vegetarian hot dogs will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. 

Several seminars are scheduled: 

10 a.m.       Diabetes:  What you Should Know
11 a.m.       Your Drugs and You
Noon           Introduction to Raw Foods
1 p.m.         Faithful Fitness
2 p.m.         Commandments for an Extraordinary Life
3 p.m.         A Topical Glance for an Internal Status
4 p.m.         Energize Yourself! With Pastor Mike (Especially for kids, young and old!)

Health screenings will be held throughout the day as follows:

During the two-and-a-half-day Pathway clinic in Beckley, 1,722 people received $6.5 million in free services that included dental procedures, eye exams and medical services such as cardiology, radiology, pediatrics, podiatry, HIV tests and minor surgical procedures, etc. Patients were also offered healthy lifestyle counseling, massages, haircuts and styles, spiritual literature, a vegan lunch and supper, the opportunity to visit the clothing distribution center and prayer with a chaplain. Read more  in English or Spanish.