Preventive Services

• Change of Heart Program
  This innovative and positive approach to cardiovascular health combines lifestyle discussions with a Pilla Heart Center cardiologist, consultations with a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist, and training in stress reduction techniques. These key elements create a holistic and supportive system for success in taking charge of your heart health.
  
  Under the direction of cardiologist David J. Becker, M.D., the 10-week preventive program includes weekly discussions with Dr. Becker on heart-healthy living, nutritional counseling for enjoying a modified Mediterranean diet, ways to increase physical activity easily and safely, and guidance for lowering stress and its effects.
  
  The Change of Heart Program is open to anyone with a family history of heart disease, or who has risk factors such as high cholesterol. Others eligible to register include those who have had a heart attack or have been told they need cardiac intervention or bypass surgery and wish to avoid having the procedure.

• Nutrition Counseling
  Healthy eating can help prevent heart disease, support recovery from illness, and prevent complications associated with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Good nutrition also helps you control your weight, increase  energy, and enhance your sense of well-being. Yet finding a reliable source for heart-healthy food guidance often may seem difficult.
  
  Pilla Heart Center patients can learn to eat well for life through the Nutrition Counseling Center at Abington Memorial Hospital. The program’s registered dietitians provide practical skills and resources, from nutritional guidance to food selection and preparation tips. If you need to lose or gain weight, reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet, or have a chronic disease which requires diet modification, the Nutrition Counseling Center can help you.
  
  Counseling options include a one-hour session or a more in-depth three-session program. You will receive a full assessment of your nutritional needs and a personal nutrition plan designed to meet your goals. An eight-session weight control program provides help for designing a lifetime of good nutrition and achieving healthy weight.
  
  These nutrition counseling services may be covered by insurance. For information or to make an appointment, call 215-481-2745.

• Start! Walking
  Walking helps you take an important step toward a healthier lifestyle. Through the American Heart Association’s Start! Walking program, Pilla Heart Center patients have the benefit of a heart-healthy effort sponsored by Abington Health in both the Abington Memorial Hospital and Lansdale Hospital communities.

• Community Education & Special Events
  Throughout the year, Abington Health and the Pilla Heart Center hold many public programs for cardiovascular health at community locations. “Wednesdays for Women” features cardiologists speaking about women’s heart health concerns. “Cooking With the Docs” offers tips on heart-healthy cooking and meal-planning. Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, as well as heart and stroke risk assessments, are available.

For expertise on cardiovascular preventive services, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center.