Join Penn's Team for the 2009 Start! Heart Walk

Get involved in this very important cause by joining a Penn Heart Walk team today. Your donations help support Penn Heart and Vascular Care and the American Heart Association's efforts to develop programs and research dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for heart disease and stroke.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009 Time: 9:00 am — Registration begins 9:15 am — Team Photo 9:30 am — Opening ceremonies 10:00 am — Official start of Start! Heart Walk Location: Citizens Bank Park 1 Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA Register Now >>

Diabetes Awareness Month

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the 14 million diabetes cases in the United States. With an estimated 57 million Americans at risk, awareness and prevention are critical. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes insulin resistant, meaning fat, liver and muscle cells do not process insulin correctly. Blood sugar that is unable to be stored in the proper cells builds up in the blood, resulting in high blood glucose levels — the cause of type 2 diabetes.

People who are overweight and the elderly are more susceptible to insulin resistance. The best and most effective way to prevent and treat diabetes is by adopting a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise. Though most people can manage their type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes, some patients may require oral medication or insulin.

• Learn More
• Care Guide for Type 2 Diabetes

Heartburn or GERD?

An estimated 60 million Americans have heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Anyone experiencing heartburn more than twice a week could have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when a muscle in the esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus and cause irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage, but most cases are treatable with lifestyle changes and medication.

• Learn More 
• Q&A Sessions