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Wellness programs for the community and organizations

Health improvement and wellness programs Tobacco intervention program Community health screenings On-site health screening and education Specific health screening services Health education presentations

Call 1-866-4HEART2 To speak to someone in the cardiac, vascular or respiratory programs at Unity Hospital, please call 1-866-4HEART2 (443-2782). Although we can answer questions about our programs, we cannot answer questions about individual medical cases, provide second opinions or make specific recommendations about therapy. We encourage you to discuss those issues with your health care provider.

Health improvement and wellness programs

The Heart & Vascular Center Wellness Program offers a variety of health improvement techniques aimed at helping people create healthier lifestyles. The wellness program partners with the community and is involved in health fairs, education presentations, health screenings in schools, businesses, clinics and Lion & Lioness events.

Our tobacco intervention program includes inpatient and outpatient components:

• Inpatient - if you are admitted to Unity Hospital for medical reasons, you are given the opportunity to speak with a tobacco cessation counselor. The counselor will assist you developing a plan to quit tobacco product usage.
• Outpatient - the tobacco cessation program offers "Freedom From Smoking", which covers several areas during eight sessions. It offers education and group support.

To learn more about or to sign up for "Freedom From Smoking", call Allina Class Registration at 612-262-3333.

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Community health screenings

Our screening programs can identify people at risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Within a few weeks after screening a personalized risk analysis is sent to your home along with a letter of recommendation for further follow-up care. 

Our services include:

• Health questionnaire: general heart health, stroke
• Blood pressure measurements
• Clinical testing: fasting, total cholesterol, HDL & LDL, triglycerides, glucose

For more about a health screening or to make an appointment, call Allina Class Registration at 612-262-3333 or register online.

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On-site health screening and education

A team of wellness experts is available for visits to companies, businesses, schools, churches and civic groups. For more about the services listed below, please contact...

• Brenda Link, wellness program supervisor, 763-236-8041
• Dawn Prince, wellness program assistant, 763-236-8049,

Please try to schedule your screening or presentation one month in advance.

Specific health screening services

Health questionnaire: heart health, women's heart, stroke, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and comprehensive wellness profile.

Blood pressure measurements utilize an automatic blood pressure monitor. Testing is recommended for individuals at risk for high blood pressure.

Blood tests are done by certified staff by fingerstick or venipuncture. The blood tests, which are recommended for individuals with risk for heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. The most common tests requested are:

• Non fasting total cholesterol and sugar (fingerstick)
• Non fasting total cholesterol, HDL and sugar (fingerstick)
• Fasting total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and sugar (fingerstick or venipuncture)
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
• HgA1C
• C-reactive protein
• Homocysteine

Fitness testing is recommended for individuals who have noted changes in strength, flexibility or endurance. Fitness specialists are available to perform several types, such as the following:

• Muscle strength
• Muscle endurance
• Body composition
• Cardio-respiratory fitness
• Flexibility

Respiratory/pulmonary testing is usually performed on individuals who are long-term smokers or who have had frequent respiratory illnesses. It involves these aspects:

• Oximetry uses a noninvasive finger monitor.
• Lung volumes determine vital capacity, peak flow and FEI (expiratory amount of air).

Adult vision testing evaluates distance and near vision and detects field vision defects.

Bone density screening evaluates individuals at risk for osteoporosis.

Health education presentations

An experienced health professional (physician, registered nurse, fitness specialist or nutritionist) can give a one-hour lecture, adapted to fit your needs, on these and other topics:

Cardiovascular health topics

• Heart Health - a general overview of the heart, how it works and what risk factors within and out of our control affect its health
• High Cholesterol Awareness - an overview including its role in the body and how to control it
• Heart Attack and Stroke - general introductory talk on heart and circulatory anatomy
• Risk Factors and Treatment of Hypertension - basic information on blood pressure and what causes, exacerbates and treats hypertension
• Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women - overview of heart disease, prevalence, prevention and risk factor management
• Vascular - overview of vascular disease

Diabetes topics

• Diabetes - an overview of the disease, prevention and treatment

Exercise/fitness topics

• The Benefits of Exercise - the why and how of exercise including considerations unique to seniors and a demo of strength training exercises

Nutrition topics

• Healthy Heart Nutrition - the basics of low fat, low cholesterol and no added salt diet

Osteoporosis topics

• Osteoporosis - General knowledge of the disease including prevention and treatment information

Stress topics

• Stress - insight into the role of stress in our lives, how it impacts each of us differently and why we need to get it under control.

Weight management topics

• Diet for Weight Loss - An assessment of your daily caloric need and methods to help reduce your calorie intake.

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Related Links

Health and wellness: Resource centers

The Heart & Vascular Center: Patient and family programs

Heart & Vascular Center of Unity Hospital
550 Osborne Road, Fridley, MN 55432
1-866-4HEART2
E-mail us
Maps & directions

First published: 09/14/2004
Last updated: 09/21/2006

Reviewed by: Brenda Link, RN, BA, Wellness Program Supervisor