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❤️ Your heart health questions, answered
Presented by Prisma Health
This is your sign to get outside and hit a local trail. | Photo by 6AM City
Just because Valentine’s Day is over doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about your heart — it keeps you alive, after all. This vital organ, which is about the size of a clenched fist, provides your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Pro tip: Take this short heart risk assessment to see where you stand.
To help us gather your need-to-know questions, we recently asked our readers (aka you) to send us their heart health questions for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call. Here’s what the local cardiology experts said:
Does anxiety actually cause heart issues?
Persistent stress can increase your chances of experiencing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. Studies have even linked stress to changes in blood clots, which increase the risk of heart attacks. Learn more.
Is chocolate good for your heart?
According to research, there are nutritional benefits that come from eating pure, unsweetened cacao (psst... look for chocolate that includes 60-70% cacao). It’s a good source of fiber and is high in magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and insulin. Bonus: It also helps improve your mood.
Does high cholesterol cause heart failure? What can I do to lower cholesterol?
High cholesterol can lead to heart disease (and we’re already at a higher risk here in the south), which can increase your risk for heart failure. To lower your cholesterol, avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats such as butter, dairy, eggs, and meat. Plus, consider these three additional tips.
What dietary supplement is best for cardiovascular health?
It really depends on the person, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Familiarizing yourself with some of the more common supplements + when they might be helpful is also a good place to start.
Is sea salt OK to use for heart health?
One type of salt is not better than any other. All salt can raise the amount of sodium in your body and negatively affect your blood pressure. Here’s how to actually reduce your salt intake.
Refine the Art of Hiring | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Pangaea Brewing | Free entry | Learn how to master the hiring process and find the best talent for your team — RSVP recommended.
Silent Book Club | 7-8 p.m. | The People’s Tap | Free entry | Settle in with a beverage and a cozy spot for an hour of silent reading.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Chocolate + Wine Pairing Event | 6-8 p.m. | LiLi + KoKo Boutique + Bubbles, Simpsonville | $35 | Satisfy your sweet tooth and sample wines paired with Maison Lumineux chocolate bars.
A Southern Remedy | 7-10 p.m. | The 405 | $80 | Celebrate two decades of euphoria and savor handcrafted winter cocktails, dine on delectable bites from some of the Upstate’s culinary talents, and partake in an oyster roast courtesy of The Jones Oyster Co. — use code cheers20 for 20% off your ticket.
Friday, Feb. 28
Adult Night | 7-10 p.m. | The Children’s Museum of the Upstate - Greenville | $75 | Leave the little ones on their home planet and enjoy a night of food, drinks, and cosmic fun at this intergalactic-themed fundraiser — all while supporting TCMU’s mission.
Beyond Van Gogh + Beyond Monet | Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Greenville Convention Center | $43+ | Step into the captivating world of Van Gogh and Monet as their masterpieces come to life at this interactive art show.
Saturday, March 1
Day of the Woman | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | USC School of Medicine Greenville | $40 | Join expert-led talks, interactive sessions, and connect with local health professionals to explore topics like heart health, mental wellness, lifestyle medicine, and more.*
The unique space at 130 S. Main St. radiates history and charm. | Photo by Trinity Partners
Love the building that houses M. Judson? Same. The downtown property’s third-floor space (7,257 sqft) is available for lease via Trinity Partners.
The former courtroom is full of character with its high ceilings, mezzanine, and large windows that flood the space with light. The historic details and distinct character are impressive, to say the least. Accessible by the stairs in front of the bookstore, it’s a prime retail or office spot.
The City of Greenville will open a state-of-the-art design center later this year on Main Street in the former Wells Fargo building. It will house the city’s urban planning department and will serve as a one-stop shop where the public can drop in with questions + project preview meetings will be held.
Sports
The Greenville Drive donated $25,000 to “Greenville Together: A Home for All” to celebrate its 20th season. The community-wide initiative — formed by United Way, the city, and local businesses — is designed to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the short-term + lay groundwork for long-term prevention strategies.
Legacy
Greenville restaurant owner Addy Sulley died earlier this week. Best known for Addy’s Dutch Cafe in downtown + Hans&Franz Biergarten, Sulley was described by friends and family as funny and passionate about “food and warmth.” (WYFF 4)
Outdoors
We’ve been jonesing for this news. Jones Gap State Park will reopen this Saturday, March 1 after being closed due to Hurricane Helene. Jones Gap is the last state park to reopen in SC, and, according to the South Carolina State Park Service, 28 of 48 state parks were closed due to damage and power outages after the storm. (Greenville Journal)
Ranked
A Riverside Highschool student + a student from the Greenville Hurricanes Homeschool Association were named the 2024 + 2025 Gatorade South Carolina Boys and Girls Cross Country Players of the Year. Ty Jones and Ava Lindsey will receive a banner, a trophy, and a $1,000 grant to donate to a local youth sports organization. (Greenville Journal)
Plan Ahead
You like my shirt? Gee thanks, it’s vintage. The GVL Vintage Market returns to Camperdown Plaza on Saturday, March 8 + Sunday, March 9. Shop from 30+ vendors selling vintage clothes, jewelry, sneakers, and home goods.
Number
$250,000. That’s how much Soapstone Baptist Church — a historic Black church in Pickens County — received in a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Heritage Action Fund. The grant will be used for “funding for annual cyclical maintenance, building insurance premiums, and a preservation manager.” (Greenville Journal)
Show
Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark have penned some of country music’s biggest hits (think: Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” + more). Now, you can hear their music in a whole new way when the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy “Shucked” opens at the Peace Center. Learn more and snag tickets.*
Family
Summer will be here before we know it, andregistration is now open for a variety of camps at the YMCA of Greenville. Whether your child loves sports, dance, or swimming, they’ll find a place to make new friends, build confidence, and enjoy a summer of adventure.See the full schedule.*
Eat
Cherries meet chocolate in this decadent brownie recipe. Grab your favorite brownie mix, swap out the water for Cheerwine, and voilà — you’ll discover your new favorite sweet treat. Try it out.*
Shop
Mood’s Rapid Onset THC Gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Category
Open
That’s amore
Be sure to make a reservation. | Photo by GVLtoday
DeMarco’s — an Italian-American restaurant from the minds behind The Slice + Pasta Addict — is stepping up to the plate with a new dining option next to Fluor Field in the West End.
The food
The restaurant features scratch-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other shareable dishes. Owners Anthony Pepe + Mike Wible traveled the US tasting the best bites in cities like LA and NYC to inspire DeMarco’s menu.
The space
The two-story spot boasts a bar, cozy seating, two wood-fire ovens that you can see from your seats, a wine vault, and outdoor seating (coming soon).
The details
For now, DeMarco’s is open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday. If you want to dine, we highly recommend making a reservation because spots are limited. The menu is set for now, but is likely to change because Wible told us he and Pepe have so many delicious ideas.
A Diamond Dazzle Stick — aka, a travel-sized diamond cleaner pen that keeps jewelry sparkling on the go. Keep it in your purse for quick touch-ups so your rings will gleam. Bonus: It’s got 30,000+ five-star reviews.
When I worked at Gather GVL, I had the pleasure of being next to Pasta Addict and being able to chow down on my favorite comfort food whenever I wanted until they opened The Slice in Simpsonville. I am beyond thrilled that Pasta Addict chef Anthony Pepe is bringing his pasta passion to DeMarco’s, and I cannot wait to eat his food again. I’ll just have to remember to wear stretchy pants.
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
