Welcome to the first issue of Rhythm of Life, a quarterly newsletter devoted to keeping your heart healthy – and to informing you of the many services offered by Cheyenne Cardiology Associates.

Cheyenne Cardiology Associates is comprised of local, well-known physicians including Gerrie Gardner, DO; Michael Higginbotham, MD; Gene Fioretti, MD; and Andrew Rashkow, MD; along with Advanced Clinical Practitioners Amanda Diefenderfer, PA-C and Maria Kidner, DNP.

Interventionalist cardiologists currently partnering with Cheyenne Cardiology Associates include Wisam Martini, MD, and Michael Langiulli, MD. Joining the practice in 2009 are Jim Chapman, MD, and Muhammad Khan, MD.

The Cheyenne Cardiology Associates are conveniently located next to Internal Medicine Group in Cheyenne Regional

Medical Center’s Office Building at 2301 House Avenue, Suite 301.

Combining extensive experience with compassionate care, the physicians of Cheyenne Cardiology Associates provide a wide range of services and are accepting new patients.

If you’re looking for high-quality heart care close to home, please consider Cheyenne Cardiology Associates.

Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Address: 2301 House Avenue, Suite 301 Phone: 307-637-1600

New heart clinic features local doctors

When it comes to your heart, every minute countsBy Dr. Gerrie GardnerCardiologist

(This is the first article in a series about making each minute count toward achieving good heart health.)

It’s true – heart health requires hard work and dedication. But doing a few simple things each day can make a big difference when it comes to

maintaining or progressing toward good heart health. In fact, at Cheyenne Cardiology Associates, we consistently let our patients know that when it comes to good heart health, every minute counts.

While making each minute count may sound daunting, this is the simplest approach to having a healthier overall lifestyle – and a healthy heart.

First, you must exercise. Movement helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and boosts energy. While the wind and cold can certainly discourage anyone from venturing outdoors in winter, there are other ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine:

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Volume 1 • Issue 1 A publication brought to you by Cheyenne Cardiology Associates Spring 2009

Rhythm of Life

2 RhythmofLife CheyenneCardiologyAssociates

If you work in an office, leave your desk to walk around •to visit co-workers – instead of picking up the phone or hitting “send” on that short email. A 15-minute break is an opportunity to walk or climb the stairs.

Take a few extra laps around the mall on Saturday morning •while you’re waiting for the stores to open.

When the temperature is above 40 degrees, get off the •couch, bundle up and go outside for a brisk walk.

Another way to make each minute count is to turn visits to the grocery store into heart-healthy adventures:

Park as far away from the entrance as possible. This is •an easy way to increase the amount of exercise you’re getting each day – and to ensure that you’re using each minute wisely!

While in the grocery store, stay away from tempting, •non-nutritious foods. When you see the aisles for chips, dip, cookies, crackers and other unhealthy “snack foods,” walk away!

On the other hand, walk toward the sections that contain •fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat cuts of meat.

Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean denying yourself the pleasure of a good meal. Instead, look at healthy eating as yet another adventure – challenging yourself to find new and creative ways to prepare foods that are truly good for you – and that will make you feel better.

With that in mind, I encourage you to look at what’s on your plate the next time you sit down to eat. Lots of colorful

vegetables and a small portion of low-fat meat are what you’re striving for. (If you see a lot of fatty meat and white or cream-colored foods – like potatoes with gravy and white bread – it’s time to make a change.)

And don’t forget to watch your sodium intake – adding salt to your food may increase your blood pressure. What about dessert? Instead of ending your meal with a brownie and ice cream, try fruit instead.

Keep in mind that when it comes to eating right, every “second-helping” also counts – often against your heart and health. Drinking a glass of water or eating an apple before your meal can help curb the desire for a second-helping and decrease overall calories. You should also concentrate on eating slowly. This should help trigger a feeling of fullness – helping you avoid that second-serving.

Finally, remember that every minute counts during a heart attack. Recognizing symptoms early is critical – so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Symptoms of a heart attack can vary but may include nausea, pain in the left arm, a tight feeling in the chest and trouble breathing. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

To ensure that you are making the most of each minute, I also recommend that you get regular medical checkups. Discuss your cholesterol, weight, eating habits and activity level with your healthcare provider, and identify practical ways that you can improve your heart health.

From exercise to nutrition to recognizing symptoms of a heart attack and getting emergent medical care, keep in mind that when it comes to promoting and maintaining good cardiovascular health, every minute truly does count.

Our highly experienced cardiac team

Every Minute Countscontinued from page 1

The physicians of Cheyenne Cardiology Associates have diverse backgrounds yet share a common passion for offering superior care. Our cardiologists partner with physician assistants, certified cardiac nurses, cardiovascular technicians and the patient’s referring physician to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions.

Rest assured that the team at Cheyenne Cardiology Associates has the experience necessary to keep your heart beating strong. We are taking new patients, so call today.

Michael B. Higginbotham, MDMedical Director of Cardiac & Vascular Services

Andrew M. Rashkow, MDBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease

Gerrie Gardner, DOMedical Director of Cardiology

Outpatient & Outreach ServicesBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease

www.cheyennecardiology.com RhythmofLife 3

Please join us for Health HourFeaturing Cardiologist Dr. Gerrie Gardner EVEry MInutE CountS

Exercising. Eating right. Reducing stress. Getting regular medical checkups. Quitting tobacco. Monitoring your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and other important indicators. All of these are critical when it comes to your heart health. Please join Cheyenne Regional Medical Center at our next Health Hour as Dr. Gerrie Gardner discusses how you can make every minute count when it comes to the health of your heart.

CheyenneCardiologyAssociatesoffersafullrangeofheartandvascularcare,including:

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EChoCArdIogrAMUltrasoundisusedtoviewheartmusclefunctionandvalvestructures.

StrESS EChoCArdIogrAphyHeartrateisincreasedthroughexerciseormedication.“Beforeandafter”ultrasoundoftheheartallowscardiologiststoseechangesinheartfunctionatrestandduringstress.

nuClEAr StrESS tESt Measuresbloodflowtotheheartatrestandduringstress.Similartoaroutinestresstestbutprovidesimagesinadditiontoelectrocardiograms.

holtEr MonItorAheartmonitorwornunderyourclothing.Recordselectricalactivityofyourheartasyougoaboutnormalactivitiesfor24hours.

EVEnt rECordErSimilartotheHoltermonitor–butwornforseveralweeksinsteadof24hours.Youselectwhichheartbeatsarerecorded.

trAnSESophAgEAl EChoCArdIogrAphy Ultrasoundofyourheartrecordedthroughtheesophagus.

dIAgnoStIC CArdIAC CAthEtErIzAtIon Alongthintubeisinsertedintoanarteryorveininyourgroin,neckorarmandthreadedthroughyourbloodvesselstoyourheart.Usedtocheckforcardiovascularconditions,especiallyarteryblockagesthatcouldtriggeraheartattack.

CArdIAC AngIoplASty And StEntIng �Angioplasty–procedureinwhichatinyballoonisusedtowidenablockedornarrowpassagewaytoyourheart.

�Stent–atinywiremeshtubeusedtoholdabloodvesselopen,oftenafteranangioplasty.

CArdIAC pACEMAkErS And dEfIbrIllAtorS �Pacemaker–asmalldeviceaboutthesizeofapocketwatch.Placedundertheskinandnearyourhearttohelpcontrolyourheartrhythm.

�Implantable�cardiac-defibrillator–pager-sizeddeviceimplantedinyourchest.Mayreduceyourriskofdyingifyourheartrhythmsuddenlybecomestoofastoryourheartstopsbeating.

Amanda Diefenderfer, PA-CPhysician Assistant

Michael Langiulli, MDBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology

Maria Kidner, DNPDoctor of Nursing Practice

Jim Chapman, MDBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology

Muhammad Khan, MDBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology

Gene Fioretti, MDBoard Certifications: Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiac services

214 East 23rd Street • (307) 634-2273 • www.crmcwy.org

No RSVP required. Call 432-6620 or 633-7461 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1110-11 a.m.

West building, Auditoriums A & B(Continental breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m.)

6:30-7:30 p.m.West building,

Meeting Rooms C & D

2301HoUSeAvenUe,SUite301CHeYenne,WY82001(307)637-1600WWW.CHeYenneCARdioLogY.CoM

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In the United States, one in four women dies from heart disease. It is the #1 killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity. It also strikes at younger ages than many people think, and the risk rises in middle age. In addition, two-thirds of women who have heart attacks never fully recover.

National Wear Red Day was started to get the word out about the dangers of heart disease in women. We invite women, men and children from our community to join us in wearing red on Friday, February 6, as part of our efforts to educate our community and loved ones about the heart health risks faced by women.

For more information about the risks of heart disease in women – and men – please call Cheyenne Cardiology Associates at 307-637-1600 or visit out website at www.cheyennecardiology.com

National Wear Red day Friday, February 6

Afamilyhistoryofheart•disease(ariskfactorthatyoucan’tcontrol,butwhichcanbeastrongindicator.)

Smoking•

Highcholesterol•

Highbloodpressure•

diabetes•

Beingoverweight•

Physicalinactivity•

Stress•

tofindoutifyouareatriskforheartdisease,pleasecontactyourprimarycarephysician.YoucanalsocallCheyenneCardiologyAssociatesat307-637-1600.

What are the major risk factors for heart disease?

hEArt fACtyour heart beats about 100,000 times a day and about 35 million times a year.