Dr. Spilker began volunteering at the Neighborhood Health Clinic over 2 ½ years ago to provide these special services to patients who otherwise could not afford it.  He believes that because the low-income working but uninsured patients at the Clinic can receive quality care and affordable medications to treat existing cardiac problems, they can be more productive in their daily lives and avoid seeking treatment from hospital emergency rooms.

There is no history of heart disease in Dr. Spilker’s family, but to stay heart healthy he doesn’t smoke and he walks 5 hours a week. “Walking is the best thing you can do for your body.  Walking is not very stressful on the body and has a variety of positive effects” said Dr. Spilker.  Walking reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and has positive effects on mental well-being.

Cardiovascular disease effects the heart itself and/or the blood vessel system.  According to the Center for Disease Control, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke; and cardiovascular disease is very expensive—together heart disease or stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity.

Here small lifestyle changes that you can make to protect yourself against heart disease.

Take a 20-minute walk. Just 2.5 hours of exercise a week (that’s a little more than 20 minutes a day) could reduce heart attacks by one-third.

Start your day with a stretch. Stretching for 10 to 15 minutes a day may keep arteries pliable; they may be effected by the elasticity of the muscles and tissue that surround them.

Reduce your stress levels. Unmanaged stress can cause high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and damage your arteries.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor in heart disease and can damage the function of your heart and the structure and function of your blood vessels.

Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure, decreasing your chances of developing heart problems or having a stroke.

Below is a list of restaurants that generously support the Neighborhood Health Clinic:

• Arby’s
• Aurelio’s Pizza
• Bistro 821
• Brio Tuscan Grille
• Cafe Luna
• Campiello
• Cibao Grille
• Chick Fil-A-
• Greek Gourmet
• Mimi’s Cooking
• Moorings Park
• Ridgway Bar & Grill
• Tommy Bahamas
• Under the Shady Palm Pub
• Wynn’s Catering

Hodges University, founded in 1990, has emerged as one of Florida’s leading institutions of higher learning and has been recognizing individuals who exemplify the spirit of benevolence and public service in its community since 1997.  The Lascheids join a growing list of those honored for their philanthropic endeavors in our community.  For a full list of previous recipients please visit the Hodges University Website.

The Humanitarian of the Year award will be presented to the Lascheids during a luncheon on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, at 11:00am. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased online.  For more information, please contact Alyssa DeLora at 239-938-7826 or via email at adelora@hodges.edu.

Hodges University, founded in 1990, has emerged as one of Florida’s leading institutions of higher learning and has been recognizing individuals who exemplify the spirit of benevolence and public service in its community since 1997. The Lascheids join a growing list of those honored for their philanthropic endeavors in our community. For a full list of previous recipients please visit the Hodges University Website.

The Humanitarian of the Year award will be presented to the Lascheids during a luncheon on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, at 11:00am. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased online on the Hodges University website. For more information, please contact Alyssa DeLora at 239-938-7826 or via email at adelora@hodges.edu.

“As the number of patients at the Clinic has increased so has the need for surgical care. Our volunteer medical staff continues to resolve problems of injuries, lacerations, abscesses, skin cancers and more. Our heart-felt appreciation goes to Key Bank for approving our grant request for the purchase of additional surgical instruments,” says Nancy Lascheid, Neighborhood Health Clinic Co-Founder.

Key Bank is also a Sponsor of the 2012 Block Party held on February 18, 2012 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Key Bank has been a sponsor of the event since 2009. The Neighborhood Health Clinic relies solely on the community for funding. Financial support from local organizations, such as Key Bank, is vital to providing quality medical care to those in need.

Do you want to volunteer with a dynamic group of women? Would you like to introduce others to the Neighborhood Health Clinic? Does the Clinic’s mission (healthcare for low income, working but uninsured Collier County adults) resonate with you?

Over the past several months a group of dedicated women have been organizing “The Guild for the Neighborhood Health Clinic.” The Guild’s mission is to serve as Clinic ambassadors and encourage friends and neighbors to learn about and be involved in the services and good work the Clinic does. Additionally, members will support the Clinic through volunteering, attending Clinic and Guild programs, and helping raise funds to further the life-saving work done here.

Founding members of the Guild include Jane Scholtz (president), Joy Dillon (membership chair), Lydia Smith, Susan Jones, Penny Lauer, Pilar Montes, Marilyn Way, Bonnie Yarrington, Chris Zantop and Nancy Lascheid. The Neighborhood Health Clinic holds a special place in the hearts of each Guild member, many of whom have been volunteering in various ways and donating to the Clinic for years.

Guild member are expected to:

• Attend Guild meetings during the “season”
• Take a tour of the Neighborhood Health Clinic
• Attend the Guild’s annual fundraiser
• Attend Clinic’s annual fundraiser – optional
• Serve on one Guild Committee
• Become involved with the Clinic through volunteering and/or fundraising
• Pay $150 annual dues

The founding members are excited about the possibilities this new group offers the Neighborhood Health Clinic. A coffee reception and meeting to welcome new members will be held Wednesday, February 22 at 9:30 am. For more information, please call Joy Dillon, Guild Membership Chair, at 239-403-7363 or email her jldpjd@yahoo.com.