Naval Hospital Beaufort Hosts Open House for American Heart Month

BEAUFORT, S.C. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Beaufort staff and beneficiaries were treated to an open house in the hospital's Wellness Center Feb. 14, to highlight cardiovascular health for American Heart Month.

The event, which was hosted by the Health Promotion Department, was designed to highlight the hospital's fitness center, which includes an aerobics area and equipment room, as well as the services available that promote a healthful lifestyle.

"This was a great event to let our staff and patients know that we are here to promote wellness and take care of them when they are sick," said Capt. Melanie Merrick, Naval Hospital Beaufort's executive officer. "We do this by helping to optimize their health by preventing disease, injury, and illness. Our Health Promotion Department provides a lot of resources to help individuals make healthier lifestyle choices, particularly when it comes to choosing heart healthy diets and showing how fitness can be part of anyone's everyday routine."

During the open house, Health Promotion staff sponsored a healthy dessert contest and tasting. The entries were required to be low in fat to show that you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to eating right. Guests were also given the opportunity to burn any extra calories gained from eating those healthy desserts with fitness demonstrations that included dance aerobics and instruction on using battle ropes, two thick ropes that provide conditioning and strength training.

"Because this is American Hearth Month, we really wanted to focus on how people can incorporate heart-healthy foods and activities into their lives," said Ivette Moore, health promotions coordinator. "It's also National Condom Day, so we wanted to provide information on preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI's) and make sure condoms were available."

Hospital staff also provided information about different classes and resources for helping beneficiaries lead healthier lifestyles including nutrition, tobacco cessation, and weight management.

Open since 1949, Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical, and emergency services to all active duty personnel, as well as retired military and family members residing in the Beaufort area, a total population of approximately 29,000 beneficiaries.

For more information on classes and resources available through Health Promotions, call 843-228-5344.

For more news from Naval Hospital Beaufort, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhbeaufort/.