February 2025 eNewsletter

American Heart Month, observed every February, is a time to raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. This national campaign, first declared in 1964, serves as a reminder to take charge of our heart health through education and trying new things to help us make positive behavior change.

Tahoe Forest Wellness is offering FREE heart health workshops throughout the month in conjunction with our Cooking Class, Be Heart Smart nutrition workshop and our ongoing Heart to Heart community exercise classes. Please join us in celebrating our hearts by wearing RED on February 7th and join us for our Heart Health wellness programming.

February is Heart Health month and a time to reflect and nurture our hearts physically and emotionally. We all know intuitively that physical activity is important but often times we do not make the time to do it.

Maybe you have noticed the buzz of activity in our Cardiac Rehab space and have wondered what is going on in there? Maintaining health with regular exercise is one thing; the other is creating connections, camaraderie, and building community.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation department has a robust program for folks who have recently experienced a cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack), valve repair or replacement, or open-heart surgery. Participants go through a 12-18 week program of hospital based, nurse supervised, exercise physiologist guided exercise. Additionally, we offer education focusing on heart healthy nutrition, stress reduction and a healthy mindset.

We also offer community, medically based exercise classes 5 days a week, Heart to Heart. These classes are available to anyone looking to improve their health, reduce cardiovascular risk factors or diabetes or just want to have a good time exercising with others in a safe environment.

Our classes include sprinting and climbing hills on equipment, using dumbbells, long and mini bands and bodyweight exercises to build and maintain strength. However, the most significant benefit of our exercise classes is the sense of community they foster. The supportive atmosphere can further enhance these mental health benefits by providing a sense of belonging and camaraderie.  There is also a lot of laughter, joke telling, sharing of health and life stories, some silliness, singing, dancing, and a whole lot of positivity and encouragement. Friendship and support is really what is happening inside Cardiac Rehab.

Heart to Heart creates opportunities for social interaction and connection. Participants often develop friendships and support networks, leading to increased motivation and accountability. It offers a multifaceted approach to health and well-being by combining physical activity with social interaction and support. From improving physical fitness to boosting mental health and fostering a sense of community, these classes provide numerous benefits that extend beyond the gym walls.

So next time you walk past Cardiac Rehab, know that what is happening in there are all the joys of friendship, encouragement, and fun while exercising, all of which lead to better health and wellness.

Join us this February to celebrate our hearts!  Wear RED on February 7th.  If you are interested in learning more about our programming, give us a call at (530) 582-3478.

Wendy Buchanan, Director of Cardiac Rehab and Christine Teittinen, Lead RN

Menopause is a natural process, but we are often not prepared to adapt our lifestyle habits to our changed bodies. Learn the latest research and how you can Flourish Through the Menopause Transition, led by Liz Schenk, BS, MBA.

When: February 3rd – April 14th every Monday, 5:15 – 6:45pm
Cost: $290
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

Join us for an interactive and informative workshop to learn tips and tricks to keep your heart as healthy and strong as possible Topics of discussion include healthy fats, exercise recommendations, sodium intake, sleep needs and stress management techniques. Leave with clarity and direction regarding lifestyle habits that will improve your heart health and leave you feeling confident on how to take control of your health, led by Cardiac Rehab Dietitian, Lisa Fligor, MS, RDN.

When: February 10th, 5-6:30pm
Cost: $25 – includes one additional family member or friend
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

Get out of your cooking rut and come get INSPIRED at our monthly Health Supportive Cooking Club! Each month, our Registered Dietitian will provide a fun and interactive cooking demo. You get to taste test and take home easy, healthy, and delicious recipes!

Led by Cardiac Rehab Dietitian, Lisa Fligor, MS, RDN.

When: February 24th, Monday 5-6:30pm, offered monthly
February topic – Ingredient Spotlight: All About Beets
Cost: $30
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

See all of our current classes and programs

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs or ½ cup of egg whites or 1 egg and 1/3 cup egg whites
• ¼ cup milk of choice, nonfat, soy, almond etc
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 slices Dave’s Killer Bread “Raisin the Roof” Whole Wheat Bread

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cut bread slices in half.
2. In a shallow dish mix together egg/egg whites, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. When skillet is warm spray with olive oil spray. Dunk the bread slices quickly coating each side in egg mixture. Add soaked bread to the heated skillet. Repeat with each slice, adding to skillet. If there is not enough room, cook in batches. Do not soak bread until ready to cook.
4. Cook bread slices for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a spatula to flip. Cook on other side for another 2 minutes until golden brown and then remove to a plate. Repeat with next batch if necessary.

 Creamy Vanilla Sauce

• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• Makes 6 – 1/2 cup servings

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, add yogurt, vanilla and syrup. Slowly add milk and stir to desired consistency.
2. Cover and chill.

Top French Toast with Vanilla Cream Sauce and fresh berries. Enjoy!

Makes 6 servings
Recipe Source: Pritikin Kitchen

12 pm-1 pm Eskridge Conference Room at Tahoe Forest Hospital
Offered virtually and in person.

Top 10 Foods for Heart Health with Lisa Fligor, RD

• Wednesday, February 12th
• Top 10 Foods for Heart Health and how to easily incorporate them into your regular routine
• We’ll talk about what makes these foods so beneficial along with recipes & tips to prepare them!

Latest Trends in Cardiology with Tim Lombard, MD

• Friday, February 21st
• Join us in an interactive discussion with our Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab, Dr. Lombard.
• He will cover trending topics in heart heart, blood pressure guidelines and the latest trends in heart health.

Mindfulness for Heart Health with Justine Nelson

• Wednesday, February 26th
• Discover the practice of mindfulness and how it can help reduce stress, encourage healthier lifestyle choices and improve cardiovascular health!

Together, we can rock our red and help save more lives!

Call for questions and to register for virtual option (530) 587-3769.