SLHV

09/29/2025

❤️ Happy World Heart Day!

Today, September 29, is a chance for all of us to pause and reflect on how precious our hearts are. World Heart Day is observed globally to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), its risk factors, and what we can each do to protect our hearts.

Did you know that up to 80% of premature deaths from CVD are preventable through early screening, lifestyle changes, and better access to care?

Here are a few heart-first actions you can take today:
🌿 Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
🏃 Move more with walking, biking, or stretching
🥗 Choose balanced meals rich in whole foods
😌 Take time to manage stress and rest your mind

Your heart is the only muscle you can hear and feel, and every beat counts. Let’s use today to recommit to habits that help our hearts thrive!

📚 Learn more about World Heart Day here: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

On September 29, 2025, World Heart Day unites millions worldwide to fight cardiovascular disease. Learn how the World Heart Federation inspires action to prevent, treat, and beat heart disease.

09/24/2025

💙 September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the positive side of growing older and to encourage habits that help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Healthy aging isn’t just about adding years, it’s about adding life to those years. One of the best ways to do that is by caring for your heart. As we age, heart disease risk can increase, but proactive steps make a huge difference.

Here are some simple ways to support healthy aging with a strong heart:
🥗 Eat a balanced diet with colorful fruits, veggies, and lean proteins
🚶 Stay active with daily walks or gentle exercise you enjoy
🩺 Keep up with regular screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol checks
😊 Protect your mental and social health by managing stress and staying connected with loved ones

Your heart is at the center of living vibrantly at every age. Let’s honor it this month and beyond. 💪

09/22/2025

We had such a wonderful time at our 1st Annual SLHV Family BBQ this past weekend! 🌟

From Christian the Magician’s fun-filled show to the bouncy house (enjoyed by both kids and adults alike!), the day was full of laughter, connection, and community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. We are so grateful for the dedication our SLHV and PSC teams bring to patients and to each other every day, events like this remind us how special our community truly is.

Here’s to many more celebrations together! 💙

09/16/2025

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Esther Moran as the September Employee of the Month 🎉!

Esther goes above and beyond for our patients, staff and physicians. She works long hours and even helps on weekends when it is needed. She is very knowledgeable in her position and always willing to help others. Esther is a great asset to our company and very much appreciated!

Thank you, Esther, for everything you do and keep up the great work ❤️

09/15/2025

🍂 As fall approaches, it’s a great moment to revisit some of the habits that protect your heart year-round, especially as we get busier with back-to-school routines, cooler weather, and schedule changes.

One area to focus on is Nutrition & Heart Health. September is National Fruits & Veggies Month, and loading up on produce isn’t just about vitamins, it supports heart, blood vessel, and metabolic health too.

Here are a few friendly reminders to weave into daily life:

🌽 Add colorful fruits and veggies to your meals (seasonal favorites like apples, squash, leafy greens)
🏡 Meal prep simple, heart-smart snacks so you're not reaching for fast food
🚶 Take short walks after meals, just 10 to 15 minutes helps regulate blood sugar and supports digestion
😴 Prioritize consistent sleep and hydration to support overall wellness

Let’s honor our hearts by eating well today and every day. 💙

09/08/2025

Today is World Physical Therapy Day🎉! A perfect reminder that movement matters for your heart.

Did you know physical therapy isn’t just for sports injuries or sore muscles? For people with heart conditions, cardiac rehabilitation is a special type of therapy that combines exercise, education, and support to help your heart get stronger and healthier.

Cardiac rehab can:
💪 Improve your strength and stamina
🛡️ Lower your risk of future heart problems
😊 Boost your mood, confidence, and quality of life

Want to learn more? The CDC has a great overview of what cardiac rehab is and why it matters:
👉 https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/cardiac-rehabilitation-treatment.html

Here’s to celebrating the therapists who keep hearts (and lives) moving forward every day!

09/02/2025

🫀September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, the most common heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people every year. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults over age 40 will develop AFib in their lifetime? The challenge is that many don’t recognize the symptoms or know how treatable it can be with the right care.

This month, we’re raising awareness so more people can:
💡 Recognize the signs
🛡️ Take steps toward prevention
❤️ Explore treatment options that improve quality of life

Knowledge is power and when it comes to AFib, it could be lifesaving.

📚 Learn more from the Heart Rhythm Society: https://www.hrsonline.org/afib-awareness-month/

Raising Awareness. Improving Care. Changing Lives. September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month - a time to shine a spotlight on the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions worldwide. AFib affects 1 in 4 adults over 40, yet many don't know the symptoms or treatment options.....

08/29/2025

🎉 With Labor Day weekend just around the corner, let’s talk heart-smart celebrations!

While you enjoy grilling, gatherings, and good times, here are a few easy ways to keep your heart happy:

☀️ Beat the heat & hydrate - Whether you’re out tailgating or watching fireworks, staying hydrated helps your heart stay strong.
🥤 Choose water first - Skip sugary drinks and let hydration lead the way for better energy and heart wellness.
🍔 Mindful snacking - If you’re hosting or attending a cookout, balance the spreads with heart-conscious options like grilled veggies or fruit platters.
🚶‍♂️ Make a walking pact - Turn post-meal lounging into a quick family stroll to keep blood flowing and spirits high.
😌 Take a moment - A few deep breaths on a quiet break can help manage stress and support your heart all weekend long.

Here's to enjoying the holiday: deliciously, safely, and heart-first. Wishing you a rejuvenating and heart-healthy weekend! ❤️

08/27/2025

📚Back-to-school season isn’t just about sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks, it’s also the perfect time to reset routines for healthier hearts!

August is both Summer Sun Safety Month and National Wellness Month, reminding us that small, everyday habits can make a big difference for the whole family’s heart health:

☀️ Stay sun-safe and hydrate often. Heat and dehydration can raise your heart rate and stress your cardiovascular system.
🚶‍♀️ Get moving together before the school rush, even if it’s just a short walk or bike ride.
🍎 Build routines around nutrition, sleep, and stress management to set kids (and parents!) up for long-term heart health.

A healthy start to the school year begins with simple choices, because a heart-healthy family is a stronger family. 💙

08/20/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! 🎉

Four of our incredible physicians, Dr. Robert Armbruster, Dr. George Kichura, Dr. Toniya Singh, and Dr. Gil Vardi, have been named to the St. Louis Magazine Top Doctors Guide, in partnership with Castle Connolly, a nationally recognized, peer-nominated honor.

These outstanding providers represent the best of SLHV: bringing world-class cardiology care, deep expertise, and true compassion to every patient, every day.

Please join us in congratulating them on this well-earned recognition, we’re proud, grateful, and lucky to have them on our team! ❤️

08/18/2025

🧠 Did you know your carotid arteries are the main highways that carry blood to your brain? When plaque builds up inside them, it can narrow the arteries and increase your risk of stroke; this is called carotid artery disease (CAD).

The tricky part? CAD often doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s serious. In fact, it’s estimated to play a role in up to one-third of all strokes. That’s why early detection through screening is so important: it can truly be lifesaving. 💙

At SLHV, we’re here to help you stay a step ahead when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Want to learn more about carotid artery disease? Check out this helpful resource from the Society for Vascular Surgery:
https://vascular.org/your-vascular-health/vascular-conditions/common-conditions/carotid-artery-disease

Carotid artery disease (CAD) occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.

08/11/2025

Water is not just for quenching thirst 💧 It is essential for your heart too! When you are hydrated, your heart can pump blood more easily and your muscles work more efficiently. Aim for around eight cups of water a day and even more when it is hot or you are active.

Learn how hydration supports heart health here: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy

When the temperatures rise, getting enough water is important whether you’re playing sports.