Providence Hospitals Encourages Employee Heart Health on Valentine's Day

Providence Heart & Vascular Institute is participating in National Have a Heart Day on Wednesday, Feb. 14. This day is dedicated to increasing awareness about the impact healthy lifestyle choices have on cardiovascular wellness.

Providence employees were given the chance to sign pledge cards committing to one or more heart healthy activities on National Have a Heart Day. Options included drinking more water, avoiding red meat, exercising, limiting sugar, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

In addition to a heart healthy cafeteria lunch of baked chicken or grilled fish, employees will receive a discount on bottled water sold within the hospital on National Have a Heart Day.

Providence Hospitals’ CEO & President Sister Judith Ann Karam said this event is a positive alternative to candy and flowers on Valentine’s Day. “In keeping with our mission, Providence wanted to do something that could lead to healthier lifestyles for our employees. Have a Heart Day encourages smart decisions and has the potential to make a lasting impact on their health.”

Owned by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine (CSA) Health System, Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals is known statewide for its compassionate care. Our non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds and is comprised of four entities: Providence Hospital, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, Providence Hospital Northeast and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

Providence Hospital, located in downtown Columbia, was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine in 1938. The facility is best known for the expertise in cardiac care it provides through Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, which is recognized statewide as a referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.