FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 21, 2002

UC DAVIS 'HEART SCHOOL' SET FOR MARCH 16
Yoga Master, Heart-Healthy Chef to Offer Interactive Classes to Consumers

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) -- "The Heart School -- Your Personalized Understanding of Cardiovascular Care," featuring international yoga master Rodney Yee and PBS television personality and cookbook author Mollie Katzen, will offer interactive classes and medical screenings as part of a day-long UC Davis Heart Center seminar March 16 at Courtyard by Marriott Midtown, 4422 Y St., Sacramento.

The event is designed for consumers interested in learning more about heart-disease prevention strategies aimed at the major risk factors for coronary heart disease that include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress and high total cholesterol.

"A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and stress reduction greatly reduces a person's risk for heart disease," said UC Davis cardiologist C. Tissa Kappagoda, director of UC Davis' coronary artery disease reversal program. "We are bringing recognized experts in these areas to Sacramento for a day to share their strategies for healthy living."

Yee, an internationally recognized yoga master, will discuss the healing effects of yoga. He will also offer an optional early morning yoga session for a small group of pre-registered participants. Katzen, known for her cookbooks, Moosewood Cookbook, The Enchanted Broccoli Forest and Vegetable Heaven!, will discuss ways to select and deliciously prepare good-for-you foods. In addition, the luncheon menu will be based on her cookbook recipes. Also presenting is Bay area author Wes Nisker, founder and co-editor of the Inquiring Mind, who will teach meditation and stress management strategies.

Kappagoda will also lead a discussion on "The Secret of the French Paradox," the controversial benefits of wine, and specifically, grape seed extract. Special wine tasting will be offered during lunch for those who choose to participate.

Personalized assessments for each participant will include a variety of screenings to help evaluate the participant's current state of health. The seminar runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 and includes a continental breakfast and a specially prepared lunch. Attire should be casual and comfortable for exercise. Space is limited to 120 preregistered participants. To register, contact the Heart Center at (916) 734-5055.

Copies of all news releases from UC Davis Health System are available on the Web at
http://news.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

MEDIA CONTACT:

Martha Alcott, Medical News Office: (916) 734-9027

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