5 Heart Disease Prevention Tips

Heart attacks are a scary thought. Did you know that according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US? However, you can lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, especially if you team up with others. 

“Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more,” said NHLBI’s Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Our Cardiologists recommend the following to help lower your risk of developing heart disease:

Keep moving:

Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. Walk. Ride a bike. Join an aerobics class. The more active you are the better. 

Eat Healthy:

Talk to your primary care doctor or cardiologist about a healthy eating plan. Prepare your meals at home so that you can control what the ingredients are and how the meals are prepared.

Quit Smoking:

It's never to late to quit smoking, even if you've smoked for years. Join a support group and  talk to your doctor. Additionally you may connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree.gov.

Get Plenty of Rest: 

Did you know that by getting a good nights rest (7-8 hrs.) improves your heart health? Try not to nap, and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Manage Your Stress: 

Talk to your family doctor or a qualified mental health provider. Take a walk, try yoga or meditation. 

These health tips are not a substitute for speaking to a qualified health-care provider, talk to your primary carephysician or specialist today.

PMA Medical Specialists raises $20,000 to aid local Salvation Army with Community FUNdraiser and Charity Auction

More than 150 area business leaders and community members attended “Social Hour for Social Change,” a Cocktail Party and Silent Auction in support of the Salvation Army, which provides shelter, hot meals, counseling, job training, drug rehabilitation and more for those in need. The evening, which took place at SunnyBrook Ballroom in Pottstown, raised more than $20,000 through corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and a silent auction. The event was also a final culmination of PMA Medical Specialists’ 50^th birthday celebrations.

Silent Auction items included gift certificates to area restaurants, spas, golf clubs, and many other local businesses, as well as beautiful flower arrangements, gift baskets and more! Winning guests helped to raise nearly $4,000 that evening.

“As someone who has lived and worked in this community for years, I realized early-on the need to give back. My passion for medicine and helping individuals, led me to establish my practice in Phoenixville, and eventually grow our medical group to what it is today – a multi-specialty physicians practice that serves residents of Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties,” stated Joel W. Eisner, MD. “Celebrating our 50^th milestone was the perfect opportunity to give back to our community. We chose the Salvation Army because approximately 82 cents of every dollar goes in direct assistance to those in need, and the donations stay in the community in which they are received.”

“Not only did we exceed our FUNdraising goal by $10,000, we came together as a community to make this happen!” said Timothy Rimmer, CEO. “We’d like to thank all of our corporate sponsors, the businesses and individuals who donated silent auction items, and our guests for making the evening a resounding success. If you didn’t get a chance to contribute to Social Hour for Social Change, we are still accepting donations at all PMA locations through the end of January, just look for the red kettles.” 

PMA Medical Specialists offices are located in Audubon, Collegeville, Limerick, Phoenixville, Pottstown and Schwenksville. The group also includes Prime Health Network, Delaware County’s largest independent primary care practice with locations in Broomall, Havertown, Ridley Park, Springfield and Upper Darby. Visit pmadoctor.com for a complete list of locations and specialties and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates.

PMA Medical Specialists, where care means more.  

Important Annual Exams for Seniors 65 years and older

Annual Exams for Seniors

Annual exams are vitally important for older adults, whether it's an annual physical or annual wellness visit. A lot can change in your health over the course of one year, and these exams allow a provider to monitor your health.

Annual physicals ensure that you are up-to-date with your vaccines which help to protect against various diseases. Completing the various recommended immunizations protects not only you but the community as well. 

What's included in an Annual Physical?

The actual physical examination typically includes: 

• Reviewing family health history
• Reviewing patients personal health and immunization history
• Examining the Ear, Nose and Throat
• Vision testing
• Height and Weight measurements
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Pulse and Blood Pressure checks
• Checking for abnormalities by examining parts of the body
• Observing range of motion, joint flexibility, spinal alignment and posture
• Testing motor skills, reflexes, coordination and strength
•  Hernia check

Annual Wellness Visits

This FREE visit is paid entirely by Medicare. During your Annual Wellness Visit, you and your physician will develop a plan for your health and wellness across the next year. We will review all of your medical conditions, medications and discuss any gaps in information. In addition, we will discuss medical conditions you may need to watch out for and how you can help to prevent them. Although we may give you some preventative care like a flu shot, you will not be given an actual physical exam. Preventative care can help improve your quality of life and keep you independent longer.

Vaccines for Seniors

We recommend certain vaccines for adults in order to help prevent getting and spreading diseases. Vaccines are especially important for those with chronic conditions. Speak to your physician or provider about your specific needs. We will begin scheduling Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine appointments this fall, be sure to mark your calendars with a reminder. These health tips are not a substitute for speaking to a qualified health-care provider, talk to your primary care physician or specialist today. Stay protected. Stay Healthy. Patients Matter Always!

Community Fundraiser to Benefit the Local Salvation Army

We are hosting a Cocktail Event – Social Hour for Social Change on Sunday, October 27, at the Sunnybook Ballroom in Pottstown; proceeds from this event will benefit the local Salvation Army. 

2019 marks the 50^th Anniversary of PMA Medical Specialists and what better way to celebrate than to give back to our community?! This fun-filled evening will include Cocktails and Hors-d'oeuvres, Music provided by the Community Music School of Trappe, Silent Auction, Raffles, and an Exhibitor Showcase!

The Salvation Army makes every effort to ensure that the maximum possible amount from donations reaches those in need. Approximately 82 cents of every dollar collected goes in direct assistance to the homeless, the mentally ill, the physically challenged, victims of drug and alcohol abuse, and others.

We invite you to be part of the change and help those in need. Sponsorship Opportunities are attached and include many options to showcase your business. In addition, please consider donating to our Silent Auction; lesser valued items will be grouped together for maximum impact. We anticipate a large turnout of physicians, area businesses owners, community members and area leaders.  

Individual ticket sales will begin on August 15.

We look forward to seeing you there. Cheers!

June Is Men’s HealthMonth—Get Involved

Did you know there was a month entirely dedicated to raising awareness for issues impacting the health and wellness of men and boys?

The month also coincides with Men’s Health Week (June 10-16), a special awareness period created by Congress, and the #ShowUsYourBlue campaign on June 14 where men and women are encouraged to wear blue to work that day to show their support or the health and well-being of men boys and men.

#Menshealthmonth List

See our easy list of things to do to be active, aware, all month long.

1. June is Men’s Health Month–spread the word and make sure every loved male in your life is living well. 
2. Early screenings! They will not only save money in the long run but also save your life and/or make life easier to manage if diseases are caught early on 
3. Exercise,its summertime! Why do you think most TV shows and football are off So men can finally go out and move around. (Note: there is no true correlation between summer broadcast schedule and reason to exercise) You shouldn’t need areas on to get at least 30 minutes of exercising in, just help your heart and just do it like Nike says.
4. Father’s Day is coming up! Why not give your father figure in your life the gift of knowledge along with your gift. There are many resources at www.menshealthnetwork.net that help educate you and your father about risks of prostate cancer and other diseases that may be prevalent to you. 
5. Keep reading this blog and others like it for the latest on how to improve and support men’s health. (Hopefully starting with this June, we will have regular pieces weekly for you)
6. Remember that anyone can assist in the men’s health movement, and help is not limited by gender basis. Anyone can be supportive and help men make that first step towards a better life. Everyone should be an ally!

50 Years of Community Care - PMA Medical Specialists Plans Birthday Celebrations

2019 marks the 50th birthday of PMA Medical Specialists, a multi-specialty physician practice serving thousands of patients in Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties.  The group, which operates with a team of 60+ physicians and physician extenders in 19 locations, will be celebrating their milestone with a year of celebrations and special events. 

The Beginning of PMA

 Founded in 1969, PMA Medical Specialists began as a solo practice established by Dr. Joel Eisner.  A truly compassionate physician, he recognized that patients often find it difficult to connect with the multiple specialists needed to diagnose and treat specific conditions.  Over the years, Dr. Eisner responded to this need by creating an ever-expanding medical group, adding specialists in various areas to provide patients with a broad network of care, available within a single group practice. 

PMA Medical Specialists Today

Today, PMA Medical Specialists includes specialists in Primary Care (including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine), Cardiology, Chronic Care Management, Diabetes Education, Electrophysiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, OccupationalHealth, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, and Sleep Medicine.

Making health and healing more accessible and effective for patients has always been a priority for PMA Medical Specialists.  Over recent years, the group has implemented a number of programs and practices, including A Chronic Care Management Team focused on reducing costs and enhancing care for Medicare patients; a Transitional Care Management program to help patients transition from a hospital stay to a community setting; and a Call Us First program that focuses on helping patients avoid emergency room costs and delays.  A Quality Team has also been formed to ensure the highest level of patient care, service and outcomes.

PMA’s network of care also includes several State-of-the-Art Medical Centers including the PMA Cardiology Center and Sleep Wellness Center. The Cardiology Center is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL) and the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) and offers comprehensive cardiac and vascular services. PMA’s Sleep Wellness Center is accredited by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In addition, specialty ancillary testing and services are administered to patients at the PMA Rheumatology and Infusion Centers and the Pulmonary Function Lab.

Throughout the coming year, PMA Medical Specialists will celebrate its 50-years of community care with birthday parties in each office, a fundraiser for a community non-profit organization, and other special events.

PMA Medical Specialists has office locations throughout Montgomery and Chester counties, including Audubon, Collegeville, Limerick, Phoenixville, Pottstown and Schwenksville, PA. The group also includes Prime Health Network, Delaware County’s largest independent primary care practice with locations in Broomall, Havertown, Ridley Park, Springfield and Upper Darby.  Visit pmadoctor.com for a complete list of locations and specialties and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates.

PMA Medical Specialists’ Educating Individuals on the Importance of Heart Healthy Living

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful meeting our health goals when we join forces with others.

Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others to improve your heart health. 

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Most middle aged people (90 to 95 percent) and young adults (75 to 80 percent) have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having more than one risk factor increases your risk for heart disease much more than having just one.

Why Reaching Out Is Good

Having positive, close relationships and feeling connected with others benefits our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who will motivate and care for us helps, but having feelings of closeness and companionship helps our health too.

Making the following heart healthy lifestyle changes will be easier and more successful if you work with other motivated people:

·        Get physically active

·        Achieve a healthy weight and maintain it

·        Eat heart healthy foods

·        Quit smoking

Remember, you don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go. Here are some tips to get you going.

Move More

Invite family, friends, colleagues, or members of your community to join you in your efforts to be more physically active:

·        Ask a colleague to walk with you on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both show up.

·        Join an exercise class at your local community center and bring a neighbor along. Carpool to make it a regular date.

·        Grab your kids, put on some music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or just dance.

·        Make your social time active and encourage everyone—family and friends alike— to think of fun things that get you off the couch and moving.

If you have a health condition, including heart disease or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before increasing your activity.

How much is enough? Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week—that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. In addition, do muscle strengthening exercises 2 days a week. Can’t carve out a lot of time in your day? Don’t chuck your goal, chunk it! Try 10 or 15 minutes a few times a day. NHLBI’s Move More fact sheet provides ideas to get and keep you moving.

Aim for a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight, find someone in your friend group, at work, or in your family who also wants to lose weight. (Every little bit can help!) Check in with them regularly to stay motivated or join a weight loss program together. Do healthy activities together, like walking or playing on a neighborhood sports team, and share low-calorie, low-sodium meals or recipes. (Pregnant women should not try to lose weight, but they can exercise.)

Eating Heart Healthy

We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join you in your effort to eat healthier.

Quit Smoking

To help you quit, ask others for support or join a support group. Research has shown that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Social support online can also help you quit. All states have quit lines with trained counselors—call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You’ll find many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at the websites BeTobaccoFree.hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov.

If you need extra motivation to quit, consider the health of your friends and family: Being around other people’s smoke, called secondhand smoke, is dangerous. Thousands of adult nonsmokers die of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.

While heart disease risk begins to rise in middle age, heart disease develops over time and can start at a young age, even in the teen years. It's never too early, or too late, to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease.