Carondelet offering free heart seminars at Quail Creek

Free cholesterol and glucose screenings, a slate of educational heart seminars by medical professionals and a tasting of heart-healthy appetizers are being presented by Carondelet Health Network on Saturday at Quail Creek’s Madera Clubhouse.

The public is invited, with cholesterol and glucose screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Anyone interested in being tested is asked to schedule the screening when calling to pre-register.

Fasting is required for the screening.

From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., two 45-minute seminars — “What is Metabolic Syndrome?” and “What You Need to Know about Cardiac Testing” — will be offered with time provided for questions and answers.

A complimentary continental breakfast will be served during break time from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The program resumes at 11 a.m. with two additional seminars — “The Role of Exercise in Preventing and Treating Heart Disease” and “Dietary Tips.”

The educational program will end with a tasting of heart-healthy appetizers and copies of recipes will be provided.

Carondelet spokesperson Maryanne Kruszewski, who is an RN and Certified Cardiovascular Nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tucson, said the program was originally arranged to get the word out to women about heart disease.

“I’ve watched the progression of heart disease in women and want to help educate women that they are vulnerable,” she said. “Carondelet thought it important and significant enough to arrange these seminars; it’s for women and also for those they love—husbands, sons and brothers, sisters and daughters, it’s a family affair.”

Kruszweski said the information gathered at the seminars will help those who attend to recognize symptoms and may help prevent and minimize a coronary event.

The seminars are not only for seniors; Kruszweski said she’s seeing younger people, men and women in 30s, 40s and early 50s with heart problems.

To pre-register, call (800) 278-3245.

Quail Creek is located off Old Nogales Highway at Quail Crossing Boulevard. The Madera Clubhouse is one mile past the security gate and is on the left just before the first Stop sign.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.