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York County Hospital gets Heart Smart with staff with support from Bayer Inc.

Newmarket, Ontario - York County Hospital's Regional Cardiac Care Program, with support from the Healthcare Division of Bayer Inc., hosted a two-day Heart Health for Life event for hospital staff, volunteers, local physicians and their staff. The event was a great success and evaluated the heart health of more than 250 people.

"We are taking a preventative stance in order to provide early intervention for those who present with coronary risks," stated Adriana Walker, coordinator, cardiac prevention and rehab.

She adds, "With over 750 coronary care inpatients in our last fiscal year, early detection is essential."

Over a two-day period, individuals completed a lifestyle questionnaire, had their cholesterol and blood pressure tested and their body mass index (height and weight) evaluated.

Customized risk assessment reports will be mailed out providing participants with an analysis of results on a high to low risk scale. The report will also make recommendations for lifestyle changes in exercise and eating habits based on the participants' questionnaire responses.  Individuals who are identified as having high cholesterol will be offered one-on-one counseling from York County's state-of-the-art Lipid Clinic.

"We are encouraging participants to return for our follow-up event in 6-8 months to reassess cholesterol levels and lifestyle improvements," stated Walker.

"Bayer is committed to taking a comprehensive approach to heart disease to lower its incidence and develop the best treatments possible," said Derek Williams, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bayer Inc., Healthcare Division.  "That is why we are proud to be working together with York County Hospital to help provide the opportunity for their employees to identify and reduce their own risks."

The Healthcare Division of Bayer Inc. invested $20,000 in York County Hospital's Regional Cardiac Program. This grant funded the Heart Health for Life event and will also help financially support the follow-up program for the hospital's lipid clinic.