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Are You At Risk for Heart Disease?
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Did you know that shoulder blade pain is a common symptom of women who are experiencing a heart attack? Or did you know that the size of your waist may be an indicator of a potential risk factor? This and other important information specific to the heart health of women can be learned from The Women's Heart Center at St. Joseph's Hospital. They have established an incredible program for promoting heart health of women and reducing the risk of heart disease. The 45 minute comprehensive cardiac risk assessment is available to women and as of last year men for a nominal fee of $30. Once making your appointment, a five-page questionnaire will be sent to you which will need to be completed prior to your arrival. The screening includes:

• A Complete Medical and Family History
• Physical Exam
• Blood Pressure Testing
• Cholesterol Testing and Blood Sugar
• Waist/Hip/Neck Measurement, Waist to Hip Ratio, Body Mass Index and Body Fat Analysis
• Ankle Brachial Index

After the examination an advanced practice nurse will present you with your results and specific recommendations to reduce your risk of heart disease. These services are available at either St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson or St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital in Wayne. To schedule and appointment, please email Gail Thompson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Lucy Ortiz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 973-754-2600. Further information regarding The Women's Heart Center can be found at http://www.stjosephswomensheart.org/.

The advanced practice nurses, Margaret Latrella, MSN, RN, APRN and Carolyn Strimike, MSN, RN, APRN that run the center are also available for speaking engagements. The "Healthy Heart Strategies for Women" presentation addresses each risk factor in detail. A second presentation addresses heart disease across the life span of women. Margie and Carolyn, who are both dynamic speakers, present for approximately one hour at no charge. They would be a wonderful and education addition at your next organization or company's event.

Jason E. Flagg, Head Chef at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital, was gracious to provide us with one of his Healthy Heart recipes:

Romesco Sauce
Served over Chicken Breast

Ingredients:
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup slivered almonds (4 oz.)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jar (7 ¼ oz.) or 1 cup peeled roasted red peppers
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Spanish or other paprika
About ½ teaspoon cayenne (if using sweet paprika)
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
About 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
4 oz. Italian or sweet French bread
1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, rinsed and drained
About ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

Method:
Heat olive oil in a medium sauce pan under moderate heat. Add almonds to the oil and cook until the almonds start to brown. Add minced garlic, peppers, tomato paste, paprika and cayenne to the sauce pan. Take the sauce off of the fire, then add the brandy, lemon juice and sherry vinegar. Return the sauce pan to the fire and cook for ten minutes. Take the mixture from the sauce pan and puree in a blender, add the bread and basil in stages until smooth (sauce) or take the mixture from the sauce pan, add the basil and bread and pulse in a blender until a course texture (Provencal). Season to taste.

Nutritional Information (Servings about 2 ½ cups):
Amount Per Serving % of Daily Value
Calories 61 3.1%
Total Fat 5.4 g 8.3%
Saturated Fat 0.7 g 3.5%
Sodium 59 mg 2.5%
Carbohydrates 3 g 1%
Protein 1 g
Dietary Fiber 0.4 g 1.6%
Cholesterol 0 mg