The Cardiac Center of

Creighton University

Risk Reduction ProgramsRita Frickel, MS, RD, LMNT

Teri Erickson, MA, ACSM, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Myth: The CCC is only for patients who

have heart disease.

Fact:The CCC offers many programs to the general public in addition to programs for cardiac patients.

The Cardiac Center Programs:

• Cooking classes

• Smoking cessation program

• Personalized exercise programs (PIC)

• Weight loss/Risk reduction programs– Individualized “Heart Lite” Program– Group “Take Weight Management to

Heart” Program

PIC (Partners In Cardiology)

• Goal of the program is to prevent heart disease through the reduction of risk factors including:– High blood pressure– Elevated cholesterol– Smoking– Physical inactivity– Obesity

Facility Includes:

• Indoor track• Treadmills• Arm and leg stationary cycles• Rowing machines• Stair climbers• Elliptical machine• Weight equipment• Complete locker room facilities

Exercise Program

• PIC staff members will develop a personalized exercise program designed around your current fitness level and personal exercise goals.

• Staff are available for ongoing exercise consults as needed for no additional fee.

• Fitness tests are available, upon request, for an additional fee, assessing: – Cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and

strength, body composition and flexibility.

Staff Training

• All PIC staff are BLS certified.

• Current staff is certified by The American College of Sports Medicine.

• Current full-time staff members hold Masters Degrees in Exercise Science.

Dietary Counseling

• Members have the opportunity to meet with a registered dietitian to review dietary habits and establish new eating goals.

Hours of Operation/Fee

• The facility is open to members Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• The fee is $25 a month.

• There is no initiation fee.

• There is no minimum sign up required.

The Heart Lite Program

• A personalized program designed to facilitate both weight loss AND heart healthy lifestyle changes

• Individuals must have at least one cardiac risk factor in addition to being overweight– Diabetes– High blood pressure– High blood cholesterol levels– Nicotine dependence

What Happens During a Heart Lite Visit?

• Initial health assessment with a Board Certified Cardiologist

• Meet with the Dietitian and the Physician Assistant at each visit

• Ongoing review food records, recipes, and behavior modification techniques

• Review medications and symptoms, and take appropriate action– Recommend specialists if needed– Adjust medications as necessary– Order appropriate labs/tests on site (EKG,

Holter monitor, electrolytes, etc.)– Admit to hospital when necessary

• Design exercise program to patient’s abilities and interests

What Happens During a Heart Lite Visit?

Case Study: 46 y/o African American male with a history of CHF, HTN, and obesity

• Presented for a routine follow up for our Heart Lite visit

• Weight loss of 8 pounds in 2 weeks• Noted fast pulse• c/o blurred vision, chest tightness, and light

headedness• Ran stat labs & EKG at CCC

Case Study

• Potassium was low (2.3), fast heart rate

• Contacted Cardiologist and PCP

• Admitted to CUMC for potassium supplementation

“Take Weight Management to Heart” Program

• Group weight management program aimed at enhancing the current health status of individuals or preventing the development of disease states

• Evolved over 7 years to include AHA and ADA evidence based research to show what is most effective in managing weight

• 8 weeks ($45)• Directed by a registered dietitian

• Classes include:– Private weigh ins– Individualized dietary analysis to customize

dietary prescription to meet individual needs– Behavior modification techniques– Intuitive eating strategies– Heart healthy recipe modification tips– Heart healthy tips for eating away from home

“Take Weight Management to Heart” Program

Individual Dietary Analysis

Individual Dietary Analysis

One-On-One Option For Weight Control

• For individuals who don’t have any cardiac risk factors

• For individuals who prefer not to join a group weight management program

• Call Rita at 280-5940 for an appointment

• Fee: $45 for an hour consult

To teach you how to incorporate healthy lifestyle

changes that you can live with for the rest of your life!!

Goal