February is American Heart Month and gives us all a reminder that the number one killer of both men and women is coronary heart disease.

There are some risk factors that are out of our control, such as age and family history. However, the American Heart Association encourages people to focus on what risk factors are under our control such as improving diet, getting more active and quitting smoking. It is important to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar to prevent or stabilize heart conditions.

The partnership between the region’s leaders in heart and vascular care—Sparrow and the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute (TCI) — ensures that our community has access to an unparalleled team of cardiologists, clinicians and nurses. It also means advanced facilities to help diagnose and treat cardiac disorders are available for all of our patients. However, the best treatment many times is prevention. Sparrow and TCI offer numerous opportunities to help you take control of your cardiac health:

• For a free Smart Heart kit that includes prevention tips, a free “Know Your Numbers” cholesterol check and more information on Sparrow services, visit Sparrow.org/TakeAction.

• Also visit Sparrow.org/TakeAction and take a free heart and vascular risk assessment. You will be provided with a summary of your results, highlighting your key risk factors and helping you understand what you can do to improve your cardiovascular health.

If the online assessment determines you have a high risk for cardiovascular disease, you can receive a free heart consultation with a registered nurse. A nurse will obtain your medical history, blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels and discuss your assessment results with you. To schedule an appointment, call 517-36Heart (517-364-3278).

• Your primary care physician can help evaluate your cardiovascular health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Sparrow will also help you find one who matches your needs. For more information on this service or to schedule an appointment, call 517-36Heart (517-364-3278).

• Preventive cardiology consults including management of cholesterol and triglyceride disorders can be scheduled with me at the Heart Disease Prevention Clinic at the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute. To schedule a consult appointment, call 517-483-7550.

• The Sparrow Michigan Athletic Center offers exercise classes, nutrition seminars and workout facilities to help you get in shape and eat right. For more information on the MAC, visit Sparrow.org/MAC or call 517-364-8888.

• Weight management and bariatric surgery help you take off unhealthy weight that can lead to hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders and eventually heart disease. For more information, visit Sparrow.org/weight-management.

• For patients who have been diagnosed with heart disease or have had a heart attack, bypass surgery or other major heart event, Sparrow’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Services can help. The program helps you learn to exercise safely, understand your heart condition and change unhealthy habits. A physician referral is required. For more information on these services, visit Sparrow.org/Rehab-Cardiac or call 517-364-5364.

These preventive cardiac services can help you take control of your heart health. Even modest improvements in your overall wellness can reduce your risks. Together, Sparrow and TCI are ushering in a new era in heart care for mid-Michigan.

		David Strobl, DO completed his cardiology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic and serves as the director of the heart disease prevention program and lipid clinic at Sparrow’s Thoracic Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Strobl has been appointed professor of medicine and chief of the section of cardiology in the department of internal medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.