August 2010
In a nationwide government Medicare study, Sarasota Memorial outperformed more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals in caring for heart attack and heart failure patients. The hospital was recognized in U.S. News & World Report for having the second lowest (best) readmission rate in the nation for heart attack patients, and the lowest (best) heart failure readmission rate of all Florida hospitals studied (8th best in the nation). The analysis of Medicare patients covered a three-year period from mid-2006 to 2009 and was reported in USA Today and the government’s Hospital Compare website. Sarasota Memorial's successful outcomes are due in part to patient follow-up care and support provided by its outpatient disease management clinics, the Heart Failure Center and Anti-Coagulation Clinic. The outpatient clinics offer Sarasota Memorial heart patients ongoing education and support to slow or reverse the progression of heart disease and manage risk factors that can trigger cardiac events. For more information about these programs, call our HealthLine at (941) 917-7777.
National Night Out
The City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, Sarasota Memorial and other community leaders will join together to host the 27th annual National Night Out, 6-9 pm, Aug. 3, Payne Park, 2000 Adams Lane, Sarasota. The free program is designed to heighten awareness about crime & drug prevention, generate participation in anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit. Information: (941) 954-2613.
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Free Nutrition & Fitness Classes
Sarasota Memorial dietitians host free monthly nutrition classes. Upcoming: Start Now to Slim Down the Holidays with Style! Wednesday, Nov. 3
(12-1 pm) at Sarasota Memorial’s Healthplex/Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. RSVP: (941) 917-7777.
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The Doctor is In – Osteoporosis 
Join Kyle Garner, MD, OB-GYN, for a free presentation on preventing and treating osteoporosis, 1-2 pm Sept. 14 in the Healthplex Education Room, Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. RSVP: (941) 917-7777 or register online at www.smh.com.
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Cheers to Chocolate!
Sarasota Memorial & the Neuro Challenge Foundation will host an annual tribute to caregivers on Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 am-noon (registration at 9:30 am), at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd. The event will include entertainment, refreshments, door prizes and special surprises. Please RSVP: (941) 917-7777 or register online at www.smh.com.
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Heart Failure Exercise Program 
People living with heart failure can increase their energy level and strengthen their hearts by making exercise part of their lifestyle. Sarasota Memorial's cardiac rehab exercise physiologists lead supervised programs for people living with heart failure who are starting a new exercise regime. Sessions are held every Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 pm, at Healthplex in Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. No physician referral is necessary. Cost: $20 for four sessions. Call (941) 917-6139 to register.
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Fit 411 – Youth Fitness
Sarasota Memorial's dietitians & fitness professionals have created a special month-long program for youth – a series of eight 1-hour classes that not only encourages them to get off the couch and exercise, but also teaches them the safe and proper way to use fitness equipment, how to monitor and measure their activity level and how healthy foods can help boost their ability in school and sports. The program – designed for 10- to 15-year-olds, is held monthly at the Healthplex Fitness Center, located in Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road. Cost is $99. Healthplex membership is not required. For information, call (941) 917-7981.
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Tips to Keep Exercise Safe
DO: Warm up prior to lifting weights. Your muscles need time to adjust to the exercise.
DON'T: Lift more than your muscles can handle. Gradual, progressive increases to weight lifting are much more safe and effective.
DO: Stretch immediately following an aerobic activity while muscles are still warm and pliable, which increases flexibility and may prevent injury.
DON'T: Jerk the weights when lifting. If you have to jerk the weight to lift it, strains and sprains can result.
DO: Alter your training. Switch back and forth between long, single sets and short, multiple sets of resistance training to best stimulate the muscles.
The exercise professionals at Healthplex offer many options to help meet your health and fitness goals, including nutritional counseling, personal training and group exercise classes. To learn more about our programs, stop by for a tour, call (941) 917-7000 or visit www.SarasotaHealthplex.com.
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