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From the Heart

Dr. Mary Bergh, Cardiologist, Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Care

Tell us about one or two influential women in your life and the lesson(s) they taught you.

My mother had seven children and I was the sixth born and the first girl. She was the quintessential hard-working mother, dedicated to her family and always putting others before herself -- not unlike many mothers today. At the age of 66, she passed suddenly from a heart attack. Looking back, it was something that was possibly preventable, but first disguised as non-threatening symptoms and dismissed. She taught me many things but losing her this way has stayed with me. It’s a reminder that women still need education about the symptoms of female heart attacks and how important it is for them, especially mothers, to take time out for themselves. 

And what advice would you share with a young woman just starting her career?

Listen with all your energy, all your heart. Being a good listener with your patients can be key to understanding how best to help them overcome their challenges and incorporate effective treatment or prevention plan into their lifestyle.

Giving back is very important to us at Lifestyle Pubs. How do you share your gifts? Please name any non-profits or projects you’re working with in 2020. 

I am a longtime supporter of Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. As part of my involvement, I serve as a Circle of Red ambassador locally to help increase awareness of heart disease and to inspire women to take charge of their heart health. 

Additionally, through my work at Northside Hospital, I help women understand and reduce heart health risks associated with preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure. The Maternal Heart Health Clinic at Northside Hospital was founded by my colleague, Dr. Lee Padove, and is one of the few places in the country that combines expertise in pregnancy and cardiology to evaluate heart health during and after high-risk preeclampsia.

Finally, please share a recipe for a healthy lunch you might make/bring to work and tell us why it's special.

The recipe below is a great one for heart health, incorporates heart shapes and is validated by a Northside Hospital registered dietitian. 

Salmon in Parchment

8 oz Thin Wheat spaghetti

1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oi

¼ tsp Salt

2 tbsp parsley, chopped

1 cup carrots, julienned

1 cup zucchini, julienned

1 cup asparagus tips

1 cup red bell pepper, julienned

24 oz. salmon filets

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

4 large sheets of parchment paper

Cooking Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 400⁰ F
  2. Cook wheat spaghetti and toss w/ olive oil, salt and chopped parsley
  3. Rinse and dry salmon filets. Spread Dijon mustard evenly on top
  4. Cut parchment into heart shapes and place pasta, salmon and vegetables in the center. Bring the sides of the heart over the fish and fold the edges together.
  5. Place pouches in oven and bake for 10 minutes
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