Cardiovascular Disease

Heart health is the cornerstone of wellness and vitality. Our clinical dietitians treat the gamut of issues including hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides), hypertension (high blood pressure), cardio-metabolic syndrome and low HDL levels (the good guys). We help coordinate dietary intervention, weight management (if needed) and medications for optimal cardiovascular health.

How We Help:

• We create individualized food plans
  
  
• We provide continuous coaching and motivational counseling
  
  
• We teach behavioural strategies to manage emotional and stress eating
  
  
• We develop exercise plans appropriate to the client’s lifestyle and preferences
  
  
• We provide strategies and support to manage holiday and vacation eating
  
  
• For the client who eats primarily in restaurants or subsists on take-out meals we provide strategies for making healthful choices and review menus for the best options.
  
  

Definitions:

Hyperlipidemia: elevated concentrations of any or all of the lipids in the blood, including hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Total Blood Cholesterol: This number refers to the total amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. It is a combination of a few things including both types of cholesterol: HDL (good) and LDL (bad).

HDL-cholesterol: Known as the “good cholesterol”, this type travels AWAY from the heart and actually helps your body get rid of cholesterol in your blood. Thus, the higher your HDL-cholesterol number, the better off you may be.  

LDL-cholesterol: Known as the “bad cholesterol”, this type causes cholesterol plaque to build up in the walls of your arteries. Thus, the higher your LDL-cholesterol number, the greater your risk for heart disease.  

Triglycerides: Fatty compounds synthesized from carbohydrates during the process of digestion and stored in the body's fat tissues. High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with insulin resistance.

Weight Management Resources– Adults and Children

American Heart Association
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Weight Control Information Network (WIN)
Web MD
Focus Integrated Fitness
Bonita Porte’s Energetic Juniors and Energetic Seniors

Eating Out Resources

Tip Sheet: Eat Healthy When Dining Out
Vegetarian Resource Group