About The Heart Series

Prevention begins with knowledge that motivates changes in lifestyle.

Schedule
FAQs
Mission

The Heart Series Includes:

Relaxation and exercise CDs

“Everyday Happy Herbivore” cookbook

T’ai Chi practice (most sessions)

HeartMath 1-on-1 biofeedback session

Weekly plant-strong potluck dinner

Weekly lectures and handouts

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Enrollment Unavailable

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, The Heart Series will not be holding meetings until further notice. Please feel free to view our videos and take a risk factor assessment in the meantime.
Videos
Assessment

Sample Schedule

Twice a Year

The Heart Series is offered twice each year. Fall sessions begin in September. Winter sessions begin in February. Classes are offered Tuesday afternon, 4:30 to 7:30 pm.

3 Hour Sessions

Participants meet weekly for a 3 hour session in which medical experts from the fields of cardiovascular health, nutrition, exercise, communications, and Tai Chi speak about and demonstrate heart-healthy living.

Medically Directed

The Heart Series is a comprehensive, medically directed, evidence based, 12-week hands-on program designed for anyone who wants to prevent, halt, or reverse coronary artery disease.

Week 1

Understanding Your Risk

Perform a Risk Factor Assessment and become introduced to risk factor modification.

Instructor: Charles Katzenberg, MD

Week 2

Nourishment for the Heart

Discover compelling evidence for the impact of food on the heart.

Instructor: Charles Katzenberg, MD

Week 3

Can Calming the Heart and Mind Improve Your Health?

Improving heart beat to beat variability and health through positive emotions.

Instructor: Charles Katzenberg, MD

Week 4

Navigating the Aisles

Learn how labels conceal more than they reveal and how to make wise choices.

Instructor: Edna Silva, RN

Week 5

Exercise for a Lifetime

If this were a pill it would be proclaimed a miracle drug. Learn the nuts and bolts of heart healthy exercise.

Instructor: Jaimie Perkunas, DPT

Week 6

Healthy Exercise Session

Practice simple exercises that include all elements of fitness.

Instructor: Charles Katzenberg, MD, Edna Silva, RN, and colleagues

Week 7

Creating Resiliency and Setting Smart Goals

Tools to help you thrive instead of languishing through life.

Instructor: Jane Jones, PhD

Week 8

Yoga Practices for the Heart

Experience an hour of deep relaxation and gentle introduction to yoga.

Instructor: Jessica Byron, MD

Week 9

Supplements and the Heart

Learn what nutrients may be depleted by your medications, and which may help the heart.

Instructor: Janelle White, MD

Week 10

Heart Medications

Learn about the role medications play in keeping the heart healthy.

Instructor: Charles Katzenberg, MD

Week 11

Communication’s Healing Qualities

Learn communication strategies that can transform your relationships and health.

Instructors: Charles Katzenberg, MD, and Edna Silva, RN

Week 12

Creating your Personal Plan

Begin the rest of your life by creating your personal lifestyle plan.

Instructors: Charles Katzenberg, MD, and Edna Silva, RN

If you already have heart disease, can you stabilize and reverse it?

If you want to prevent heart disease, can you do it?

Can you add meaningful time and quality to your life?

“The answer to all is an emphatic yes, if you embrace the concepts of prevention that are taught in the Heart Series!”

-Dr. Charles Katzenberg

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Is it covered by insurance?
This is a self-pay program. If you have a financial hardship you may pay $100/ month. We are happy to discuss payment options with you.
Where is the Heart Series located?
The Heart Series is held at Edna Silva’s Center for Wu Style T’ai Chi, 1711 West Ina Road. Directions
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. You are the master of your body and you alone decide to participate in this class.
Can I make up missed classes?
Yes you can make it up at the next session.
Is there follow up?
Yes, we have an active Maintenance program. Participants can continue to learn and enjoy the support of others. The group meets once a month.
I don’t like to cook. Do I have to bring food?
You can make a cash donation or bring other items that are needed, such as table service.
I come from work. What can I bring to the potluck?
You can pick up items at Whole Foods, Urban Fresh, Sprouts or Trader Joe’s. Alternatively, you can get a veggie tray at most grocery stores.
Do I have to become vegetarian?
No. You are here to learn lifestyle choices that have been proven to improve health. We ask that for one meal per week during class you bring heart healthy vegan options only.
How will I know how to prepare the vegan food?
You will receive a cookbook, clear guidelines, and invaluable knowledge from each other and past participants.
What is biofeedback?
“Bio” means life. Biofeedback denotes feedback from body processes such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, muscular activity and body temperature to name a few possibilities.

 

 

We use a program that uses the actual heart beat variability to help you learn how to place your heart in it most healthy state

Will we exercise?
We will practice T’ai Chi most of the twelve classes. Chair Yoga will be taught during one class. Another class will be devoted to a cardiovascular workout and teaching how to create a safe exercise session.

The Heart Series Mission

We teach skills that lead to health and happiness through the prevention or reduction of illness, hospitalizations, medications, and invasive medical procedures. The end result will be improvement in both quality and length of your life.

History of the Heart Series

The Heart Series was created by Dr. Charles Katzenberg, cardiologist with University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center and Edna Silva, Cardiac Rehabilitation RN and founder of the Tai Chi Center. The Heart Series is provided by the Foundation for Cardiovascular Health, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. There have been hundreds of participants, many of whom have credited the program with life-saving changes in the quality and focus of their lives. The Series will empower you to make the changes you need to live a longer and healthier life.