Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia

SCAHP broadened its educational programs to include cardiovascular disease. South Carolina ranks first in the nation for strokes; a statistic that has not changed since 1992. Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking are considered "modifiable" risk factors in the possibility of having a cardiovascular "event" or even death. SCAHP is taking two approaches to address these risk factors:

In April 2005, the Alliance hosted the first Cardiovascular University -Get Smart with a Healthy Heart. The program focuses on educating the community on topics such as "What is Cardiovascular Disease?", "Lifestyle Changes", "Medications" (adherence, costs, dealing with side effects, Medicare changes)" and "Diagnostics and Surgical Interventions". The program concludes with a session entitled "Where do we go from here?" Blood pressure screenings, kidney screenings, blood glucose screenings and BMI measurements are offered.

SCAHP also offered a statewide educational series for mid-level healthcare providers (Certified Diabetes Educators, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants) on Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia Management in the Primary Care Setting. The free educational courses were offered in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston and attendees received continuing education credits. 
 
In 2008 SCAHP began "A Touch of Sugar," a community-based program targeting heart disease hypertension and diabetes in rural areas . 
 
This educational program is offered by the SCAHP to church-based organizations in South Carolina . In 2008 we held five programs across the state in the following locations: in Columbia (2 programs), Winnsboro, Walterboro and Elgin impacting over 350 families. The goal of each program was to empower community members with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or at risk for developing diabetes, to lead healthier lives by providing information through screenings and educational seminars. Screenings have included blood glucose, blood pressure and body mass index screenings. Educational seminars have focused on topics such as heart disease, controlling your numbers in diabetes, stress management for hypertension, nutrition/physical activity, medication, complications and behavior modifications.   Thanks to our associate members listed above who for made these programs possible in 2008! 
 
Columbia Area Radio Talk Show WCGV 620AM
 
SCAHP participated in three radio talk shows on WGCV 620AM, discussing the impact on diabetes mellitus and heart disease in the community and answering healthcare question from callers. NP, Laura Szadek and Dr. Jackson from USC School of Medicine were there for two of the sessions to answer medical questions. Betsy Dix joined Laura Szadek on the last radio program to promote the "A Touch of Sugar" program in the Winnsboro area. At each program we welcomed walk-ins that had heard the radio program and decided to attend and take charge of their health. 
 
For more information on "A Touch of Sugar," please contact Betsy Dix at 704.650.1242 or e-mail her at betsy.dix@att.net.