According to the 2011 Community Health Needs Assessment, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Charles County and in Maryland. Early detection and prevention is key to reducing your risk.

Civista Medical Center is pleased to offer the “Matters of the Heart” heart disease risk screening program for men and women from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

This screening may help reduce your cardiovascular risk factors through awareness and education. Fasting is required prior to your screening and a continental breakfast will be served afterward.

Protect yourself from heart disease and meet Civista Medical Center staff. Call 1.888.332.4847 to schedule your appointment today.

“Matters of the Heart” Heart Disease Risk Screening
Saturday, February 11; 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Civista Medical Center
Appointments are required. $20.

Want to lose weight and keep it off? How about increasing your energy throughout the day or sleeping better at night? Jump Start Your Metabolism and uncover key reasons why your metabolism may not be where you want it to be at our free lecture on Wednesday, February 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Jump Start Your Metabolism
Wednesday, February 1; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Civista Medical Center, Nagula Conference Room, 1^st Floor
Adults only.
Pre-registration requested. Free.

You’re invited to meet Barry Aron, M.D., Erica Contreras, M.D., and our new physician Neil Horlick, M.D., at our open house on Wednesday, January 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our practitioners offer a wealth of knowledge in a caring atmosphere, and we look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Barry Aron, M.D.

Dr. Erica Contreras. M.D.

Dr. Neil Horlick, M.D.

La Plata OB/GYN Associates Open House
Wednesday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
605 E. Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
Click here or call 1.888.332.4847 to RSVP.

Who says you can’t have fun as a family and get in a workout at the same time? On Tuesday, January 31, Civista Health will present Family, Fun & Fitness, an adult-only class led by a certified exercise physiologist, where you can learn ways to be active as a family, as well as explore your community’s fitness options and find out how to make healthy choices for your growing family.

Family, Fun & Fitness
Tuesday, January 31; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Civista Medical Center, Ground Floor Classroom A
Adults only.
Pre-registration requested. Free.

Start the New Year off right! Join us from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 and learn 12 easy lifestyle changes to make 2012 your healthiest and happiest year yet.

New Year, A New You
Thursday, January 19; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Civista Medical Center, Ground Floor Classroom A
Adults only.
Pre-registration required. Free.

Dr. Neil Horlick, M.D.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Neil Horlick, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist, to the Civista Medical Center staff.

Dr. Horlick received his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University’s School of Medicine, and completed his OB/GYN residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine.

He practices at La Plata OB/GYN Associates with doctors Barry Aron, M.D., and Erica Contreras, M.D. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Horlick, please call 301-609-4800.

Did you know that the top two New Year’s resolutions last year were health-related? Maybe yours were too. Well this year, you don’t have to do it alone. As your community hospital, we are here to help. We encourage you to use the Civista website as a resource when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the New Year.

• Catch up on the latest Health News
• Browse the Health Library for specific conditions and concerns
• Put a healthy spin on your favorite recipes at the Health eCooking Channel
• Measure your health IQ under Quizzes/Calculators
• Sign up for Classes and Seminars offered at Civista

Here’s to a very happy and healthy 2012!

Having a new baby? Considering a joint replacement or looking for a physician? Maybe you are simply ready to learn more about improving your health. Whatever your health needs, we look forward to seeing you here at Civista throughout 2012.

Where we don’t want to see you is in the Emergency Department this New Year’s holiday. Celebrate Safely. Don’t Drink and Drive.

Between hosting and attending gatherings with family and friends, putting up decorations, gift buying, and all the traffic and crowds, it’s hard not to feel at least a little stressed during the holidays.

Here are five easy tips for helping you manage stress this holiday season:

1. Take a hike. Nothing relieves stress like walking away from it, and somehow things do look better when you get back.
2. Take a breather. Literally. Taking time out to breathe deeply several times a day will slow you down and clear your head.
3. Take time to help someone else. Nothing makes you appreciate what you have like giving to those in need. There are plenty of charitable organizations that need help this time of year. Help yourself by helping others.
4. Take time to share good news. Lorette LaRoche, humorist and author of “Relax, You Only Live Once” tells us, “Find someone doing something right and tell them.” Your words can make their day.
5. Take a look at the bright side. Remember, a sense of humor can put even the most stressful situations into perspective. Susan Vass, author of “Laughing Your Way to Good Health” advises, “Take frequent laugh breaks throughout the day. Learn to laugh at yourself.”

From all the doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff at Civista, we wish you the very happiest of holidays.

As of November 28, the 10½-foot Christmas tree in the main lobby at Civista Medical Center has gone PINK! Members of the Sisters at Heart breast cancer support group decorated the tree in “Shades of Pink” to promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. Stop by to see this stylish and spirited tree for yourself!