By: Edward Batcheller

"From Romance to Bypass."  This phrase was coined early on in the planning for the Matters of the HeArt show.  Artists were invited to freely interpret 'Matters of the HeArt' in anyway they desired, the results of which are seen here:  An eclectic group of work that explores the longing, loss, joy,  beauty, peace, sickness, health, and the visceral inner workings of the heart.  These are the emotions and states we all have felt and experienced one time or another that the artists have studied, and articulated for the show...

By: Michele Gervat

Are you aware that every minute someone loses their life to Cardiovascular Diseases? So let’s keep you beating and let’s start now.

Here are a few tips:

1. Exercise is good for you. 
    • You should do something on a regular basis, like walking. 
    • What's the best time for you to exercise? Anytime. 
    • Fit two 10-minute sessions in during the day, it will benefit you almost as much as one 20-minute session...

My name is Alan Powell. I am lucky to be 38 years old. You see, last December I was just not feeling myself. I felt like I had indigestion all the time no matter how many antacids I took. On December 28th I was having trouble catching my breath as I tried to run on the treadmill. Still ignoring the symptoms, I went to work that afternoon where my symptoms only got worse. I was nauseous and in a cold sweat when my friend and co-worker brought me to the emergency room. That is when things got really interesting.

First, I was shocked to hear that I had a heart attack. Then, a catherization showed I would need bypass surgery ASAP. Bypass surgery took longer than expected as my cardiologist performed eight bypasses, yes eight!

Guest Post by Michele Gervat, American Heart Association

"Fight or flight”: the adrenaline rush when something is happening around you causing stress.  Can be a good thing at times, but when stress is constant (chronic), your body remains in high gear off and on for days or weeks at a time. Chronic stress that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure may damage the artery walls.

Signs of stress:

1.    Aches and Pains

2.    Energy Level and Sleep

3.    Feeling tired without a good reason

4.    Trouble sleeping

Do you want to add years to your life?  Or life to your years?

Feeling your best boosts your zeal for life! Add some activity to your life and reap the benefits of boosting your mental and physical wellness. Take advantage of a sunny day and spend some time outdoors. Sunlight on your skin helps your body produce vitamin D, which brings many added health benefits.

Physical activity boosts mental wellness.
• Regular physical activity can relieve tension, anxiety, depression and anger.
• Good vibrations, good sensations follow physical activity,
• Most people also note an improvement in general well-being over time during the weeks and months as physical activity becomes a part of your routine.

Exercise increases the flow of oxygen which directly effects the brain. Your mental acuity and memory can be improved with physical activity, important functions for a small businss owner.

Our company along with twenty other companies participated in the Action Long Island Wellness Challenge where we implemented Healthy Work Programs, scheduled educational “Lunch and Learn” seminars and participated in the American Heart Association’s Online Health Tracker Program.  The program ended in November but that didn’t stop us from continuing to promote wellness throughout the company....