Enrollment is open for the local Heart Series program, a medically-directed, hands-on program for anyone who wants to prevent, halt or reverse coronary artery disease. The 12-week program includes weekly, three-hour sessions, from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays, beginning February 9. The aim of the program is to improve the quality and length of life by teaching the skills that will lead to health and happiness through the prevention and reduction of illness, hospitalizations, medications and invasive medical procedures.

The 21-year-old program is led by Tucson cardiologist Dr. Charles Katzenberg, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, and Edna Silva, R.N., founder of the T’ai Chi Center of Tucson.

Richard “Richy” Feinberg, now Director of Public Relations for the Foundation for Cardiovascular Health/Heart Series, has been an advocate of the program since 1994. At the age of 58, he had a heart attack, followed by quadruple bypass heart surgery, then another heart attack two months later. “I was blessed to find the Heart Series program right here in Tucson,” explains Feinberg. “This month, I’ll be 81 years old. I’m happy, healthy and my heart is doing great. The program has given me the tools to be aware that negative, stressful situations can be changed to positive ones if I have the desire and fortitude to be aware of the possibility.”

The Heart Series is Arizona’s first intensive cardiac rehabilitation program. It recently came in first in a contest for Influential Health and Medical Leaders for Achievement in Wellness Programs in our region.

For more information, call 520-797-2281.