The heart is a powerful guide to the many aspects of our lives: our health, our relationships, how we react to challenges and our awareness of thoughts and feelings. At Salus, we use the heart as a teacher and examine how the heart can help each of us grow healthier and more balanced. Salus offers many different types of experiences to help you explore and improve your health:

The Physical Heart: Understanding the heart is important in order to create healthy change. Dr. Treister leads a discussion on the functions of the heart and describes the latest information about what causes heart attacks and how we can prevent them.

Blood Work: Blood is obtained using a finger stick technique and tested immediately for levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and the HDL and LDL cholesterol fractions. Fasting blood sugar is tested, as well as a screen for insulin resistance and diabetes. Results are available within minutes and interpreted by Dr. Treister for each individual.

Diet, Cholesterol, Nutrition and Prevention: Dr. Treister leads a comprehensive and practical overview of the basic aspects of diet and nutrition; how our physical make-up and diet affect the levels of fats in the blood and how we can use that information to prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The presentation is in a group setting with slides and ample time for questions and answers. Participants have their cholesterol levels in front of them and the presentation is focused on ways each person can improve their blood panel.

Yoga: The Salus yoga approach offers a relaxing introduction to the practice of yoga using the breath and supported poses to create proper alignment and union of mind and body. During the group class held in the Salus Center, each participant is given individual attention and taught practical ways to release muscle tension and improve flexibility. Special care is given to particular needs and fitness levels; safety and comfort are ensured.

Qigong: The ancient Chinese practice of moving meditation that enhances the flow of chi (qi) or life force through the body. Performed standing and often outdoors, participants easily follow the instructor to perform slow and gentle movements to improve balance and alignment. The result is an energizing and relaxing state that rejuvenates and improves overall healing.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the state of being in the moment with focused attention and awareness. During mindfulness training, participants are guided by the instructor in slow and caring activities including walking, eating and a guided relaxation. Concentrating on the breath and learning to respond rather than react are taught during the practice and become important principles for future stress management. Mindfulness practice is reinforced in the Salus Guided Relaxation Program which is included in the course materials for each participant.

Stress Management: Rosemary Pfuhl guides a group discussion on the impact of stress on our bodies, the differences between good stress and bad stress and ways to anticipate and prevent stress.

Cardiac Exam: A focused heart and blood vessel examination is available to diagnose heart murmurs, heart enlargement, congestive heart failure and other abnormalities of heart function. All examinations are performed by Dr. Treister, a board-certified cardiologist, in a private medical examination room at the Salus Center.

Coronary Risk Assessment: Certain risk factors such as age, gender, cholesterol level and blood pressure provide powerful information to predict the likelihood of developing heart disease. Salus uses published and validated tools like Cadenza®, a computer program developed by a cardiologist, to create a personal report for each individual. By defining future risk, Salus helps each participant identify the appropriateness of diagnostic testing.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score: A new generation computed tomography (CT) scan can accurately image and measure the amount of calcium buildup in the arteries to the heart. The coronary calcium score is a strong predictor of cardiac risk and one of the earliest ways to diagnose coronary artery disease. Salus works with a nearby scanning center to make discounted tests available to Salus participants. Dr. Treister interprets the scans and discusses the results with Salus participants.

Journaling: Journaling (writing in a private diary) is a special experience that can lead to growth and a greater understanding of innermost thoughts and feelings. Each participant receives a blank journal when they arrive and is encouraged to devote at least a few minutes each day to writing about various questions, hopes, aspirations and feelings. A journal is a personal and powerful way to create change and explore new ideas.

Biofeedback Workshop: The minute-to-minute variation in heart rate is a specific measure of the relaxing, healthful influence of our parasympathetic nervous system. A computer-enabled biofeedback device helps each participant learn to achieve a state of coherence where heart rate variability is optimized using various techniques such as imagery and breath.

The Salus Guided Relaxation Program: Salus creates a special experience using a lavender-scented eye pillow. Participants may experience the treatment either in their hotel room or in a spa treatment room. Guided by a teacher or using an audio program, the participant learns to focus on their breath and enjoy the calm of a quiet, meditative and mindful state.

The Salus Circuit: Along with resistance training and flexibility, aerobic exercise is one of the three fundamental aspects of fitness. The Salus Circuit is a guided walking course where participants learn to monitor their heart rates during exercise and incorporate useful stretches and balance exercises into their 45-minute walk.

Change–A Contract For The Future: Salus is committed to help each participant learn ways to transform new information into new behavior. This discussion group helps participants make choices that will lead to achievable “small victories” in their lives. Participants are invited to commit to attainable lifestyle changes in the weeks and months ahead.