San Andreas, CA…. “Focus on Heart Health” is the timely topic for the latest in Mark Twain Medical Center’s “A Plan 4 Me” wellness workshop series. Those attending the Feb. 26 event will learn how to keep their heart healthy; how Mark Twain Medical Center supports local cardiac patients, and what types of minimally invasive surgical techniques are available. This event during American Heart Month will feature medical professionals from the Mark Twain Heart Center, along with General Surgeon Dr. Andrew McCoy, MD. Steve Shetzline, Executive Director of the Murphys Senior Center, who will give an overview of Stay Vertical Calaveras, a free exercise program for seniors sponsored by Mark Twain Health Care District.

Larry Philipp, Interim CEO at MTMC notes, “Heart health is a national focus every year during American Heart Month in February. We’ve planned this workshop to build public awareness on the local level. Every year during February we join forces with Soroptimist International of Calaveras County to provide Free Complete Cholesterol testing for local women. We are excited to see others also joining the effort to raise awareness about heart health in Calaveras County – like the ‘Love Your Heart’ wellness event planned on Feb. 16th at the Copperopolis Branch Library.” (See related story for details.)

“This outreach has had such an impact on the women in Calaveras County, noted Take Women to Heath (TWTH) chairperson and treasurer Billie Westernoff, “Soroptimist International of Calaveras County is very excited and humbled by the fact that our Sister Club in Pesaro Italy has asked us to mentor them so that they can replicate TWTH with a similar program, understanding the fact that women’s health issues are worldwide.”

“Focus on Heart Health” begins at 11 a.m. in the MTMC Education Center, with a free lunch to follow. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reserve now; contact Nicki Stevens, MTMC Manager of Marketing & Business Development, at 754-5919.

Ann Walton, RN, will discuss two topics — “Be Heart Smart” and “We Are Here to Help” offering prevention tips and
insights into the many ways Heart Center experts can help guide you back to good health if an emergency or lingering condition calls for cardiac care.

Dr. McCoy will “Ease Surgery Fears” by sharing the latest updates on minimally invasive procedures
which improve outcomes and enhance recovery techniques that have improved outcomes for a quicker
recovery.

Shetzline will give an update on Stay Vertical Calaveras, the free exercise program for seniors which
began last fall and currently offers Tai Chi and Strength Building classes in Murphys, Arnold, Angels
Camp, Valley Springs and San Andreas.

“A Plan 4 Me” is an ongoing workshop series focusing on general health awareness and prevention
strategies. When attending their first session participants receive a free “A Plan 4 Me” binder in which to
organize reference materials distributed at each event.

Philipp adds, “We are excited to see such a positive response to these workshops. 50 people attended the
Jan. 11 session featuring Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Roger Rogalski – a
positive reaction indicating the community is eager to learn more about the timely topics covered at these
events. By taking advantage of ‘A Plan 4 Me,’ you have access to information that can be key to
preventing and identifying health issues, as well as arming you with knowledge to better address
everyday situations.”

County Events Pump Up Awareness About Heart Health
Free Complete Cholesterol Tests for local women and a wellness challenge for Copperopolis residents
will help raise awareness about heart health during American Heart Month in February. In addition, Mark
Twain Medical Center will “Focus on Heart Health” at a Feb. 26 workshop which is the latest in the
ongoing “A Plan 4 Me” workshop series.

American Heart Month was first observed in February 1964, following a Congressional Resolution
signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Dec. 30, 1963. It declared, “It is essential to the health and
well-being of our nation that our citizens be made aware of the medical, social, and economic aspects of
the problem of cardiovascular diseases, and the measures being taken to combat them.”
County Events Pump Up Awareness About Heart Health

Local Heart Month activities include —
Jan. 31 to Feb. 14 – Wellness Challenge sponsored by the Copperopolis Branch Library. Local
residents can pick up self-monitoring cards to log two weeks of exercise activity. The branch will hold
weekly check-ins and post results. Participants logging the most minutes of activity are eligible for
rewards at the “Love Your Heart” event on Feb. 16. For complete details, contact Shannon Jewel at 209-
785-0920.

Feb. 1-28 – Free Complete Cholesterol Tests for local women. MTMC joins forces with Soroptimist
International of Calaveras County every year on this project to raise awareness that heart disease is the
NO. 1 killer of women. Financial support from SICC and MTMC make it possible for local women to
have the test that could literally save their life. It measures good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides and
includes a risk evaluation for heart disease and stroke. Call 209-754-2968.

Feb. 16 – Copperopolis Branch Library “Love Your Heart” event, 10 a.m. to noon. Featuring
wellness activities; healthy eating tips; a one-mile walk; and more. Prizes will be presented to winners of
Wellness Challenge. For complete details, contact Shannon Jewel at 209-785-0920.

Feb. 26 – “Focus on Heart Health” workshop; 11 a.m. with free lunch to follow; MTMC Education
Center –Learn how to keep your heart healthy; how Mark Twain Medical Center supports local cardiac
patients and why surgery options aren’t as scary as they used to be. The event will feature medical
professionals from the Mark Twain Heart Center, along with General Surgeon Dr. Andrew McCoy, MD,
and Steve Shetzline of Stay Vertical Calaveras. Reservations required; contact Nicki Stevens, MTMC
Manager of Marketing & Business Development, at 754-5919.

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About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute
care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad
range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being
a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the area’s largest employers.
More than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is
a member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the nation. For more
information, please visit our website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org. Mark Twain Medical Center is also
on Facebook.