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Trinity Partners Leases Flex Property in Irmo, SC

Photo courtesy of Trinity Partners

Columbia, South Carolina – February 22, 2024, Trinity Partners is pleased to announce 140 Dutchman Boulevard in Irmo, SC is fully leased. Braden Shockley, Roger Winn, SIOR, and Will McGregor represented the landlord in two transactions totaling 7,500 square feet.

140 Dutchman Boulevard is a flex/industrial building located directly off I-26 in Irmo, South Carolina. The building’s layout and accessibility make it an ideal property for its two new tenants.

Spray Foam Genie will occupy 3,000 square feet during the first quarter of 2024. Spray Foam Genie is a national spray foam insulation franchise that has established itself by insulating homes with sustainable and eco-friendly materials. They currently have 26 locations in the U.S. They were represented by Michael Crowley and James Rogers of Wilson Kibler in the transaction.

The second tenant, Industrial Kiln and Dryer Group, Inc. has leased 4,500 square feet in the building. They will also occupy their space during the first quarter of 2024. Industrial Kiln and Dryer Group is an industry leader in rotary processing equipment. They are a reputable, national solutions provider based out of Kentucky with 6 locations in the U.S. Ryan Causey, Nick Stomski, SIOR, and Jake Nidiffer of Trinity Partners represented Industrial Kiln and Dryer Group in the transaction.

For additional information, please contact Braden Shockley (bshockley@trinity-partners.com), Roger Winn (rwinn@trinity-partners.com) or Will McGregor (wmcgregor@trinity-partners.com). To learn more about Trinity Partners, visit trinity-partners.com and follow us on social media.

Instagram: @trinitypartnerscola
LinkedIn: Trinity Partners-Columbia
Facebook: Trinity Partners Columbia
X: @TrinityCola

ABOUT TRINITY PARTNERS
With decades of experience and a distinctly local perspective, Trinity Partners provides a comprehensive platform of commercial real estate services for users and owners looking to expand and grow in the Carolinas. Our experts evaluate each client’s needs and craft unique solutions based on deep market knowledge, industry best practices, and a best-in-class mindset that consistently delivers results. We’re known for our entrepreneurial spirit and respected team of professionals who are directly responsible for our company’s success and collaborative culture. We currently lease and/or manage over 31 million square feet of office, industrial, life science, mixed-use, and retail space across the region through our offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina.
www.trinity-partners.com

Collaboration between Wingard’s Market and Riverbanks Zoo Leads to Exciting Opportunity with Distinguished Author

Wingard’s Market is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! On May 16, join us for a unique presentation by author and award-winning expert, Doug Tallamy!

Tallamy’s presentation, A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening, will focus on the importance of native plants and selecting the right plants for your garden that will also help our environment. Through 42 years of teaching and authoring 4 books; including New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, he is considered an expert in his field.

Wingard’s Market and Riverbanks Zoo are co-hosting Tallamy’s presentation, which has something to offer all gardeners, from beginner to expert. Gates open at 6 PM, with the presentation beginning at 7 PM. Light refreshments will be served.

“People hear the word “conservation” and they think Lions & Tigers elsewhere in the world, but you can start to make a difference in your own backyard if you really give it a shot. Planting native plants is a perfect example of that,” stated Wingard’s Naturalist, Zach Steinhauser.”

Tallamy was featured in Smithsonian Magazine in 2020 in an article titled, “Meet the Ecologist Who Wants You to Unleash the Wild on Your Backyard.”

Melodie Scott-Leach, Horticulture Design and Operations Manager at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, stated “Planting for pollinators is so important right now. Insects and birds are integral parts of our world ecosystem, and everyone can participate in their continued health by providing the plants they need in their yards.”

Purchase your tickets for an evening with America’s expert on native plants here: https://tickets.riverbanks.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=garden&c=workshops&fbclid=IwAR2YfN0HClxHtZ6G9eWteOKFmFgLKTqLYIkkfaIFOgpyC_Edx4jfdxgKwPQ

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/375864678421424

Follow Wingard’s Market and Riverbanks Zoo on Instagram for an exclusive event Giveaway!

About Wingards: For 56 years, Wingard’s Market has been committed to beautifying and to sharing fresh, local produce with our community. Wingard’s joined the ranks of the horticulture industry’s top local garden centers when it was named one of Today’s Garden Center magazine’s Revolutionary 100 Garden Centers for 2015 and named one of the Top 100 Garden Centers by Garden Center Magazine in 2017. Wingard’s customers are encouraged to visit the Gift Shoppe and Fresh Produce Market or take a stroll under century-old pecan trees through the Garden Wonderland. For more information, visit wingardsmarket.com.

About Riverbanks Zoo: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades has connected individuals, families, and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science, and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.

Trinity Partners Leases High Profile Redevelopment Project in Downtown Lexington, SC

Photo courtesy of Trinity Partners

Columbia, South Carolina – Trinity Partners is pleased to announce 102 W. Main Street in Lexington, SC is fully leased. Braden Shockley and Roger Winn, SIOR represented the landlord in all three transactions of this redevelopment project totaling 8,720 square feet.

102 W. Main Street is comprised of three buildings which are being redeveloped to include a new exterior façade, new landscaping, dedicated patio space for all three buildings, and a new parking lot. This highly sought after location is situated in the heart of downtown Lexington, SC.

Voodoo Brewing Company has leased Building 1 totaling 4,491 square feet. Voodoo Brewing is a national brewery offering craft beer and food options with 10 locations in the U.S. They are expected to occupy the space later this year. Ansel Bunch of CBRE represented Voodoo Brewing in the transaction.

Molto Vino will occupy 2,123 square feet in Building 2 in the first quarter of 2024. Molto Vino is a boutique wine bar with a location in Forest Acres in Columbia. This will be their second location in the Midlands. JP Scurry of Crosland Barnes Group represented Molto Vino in the transaction.

TakoSushi has leased 2,106 square feet in Building 3. TakoSushi is a full-service restaurant offering cuisine from the southwestern US and Eastern Asia. They currently have 5 locations in South Carolina and Georgia. They are expected to occupy the space in the second quarter of 2024.

For additional information, please contact Braden Shockley at bshockley@trinity-partners.com or Roger Winn at rwinn@trinity-partners.com. To learn more about Trinity Partners, visit trinity-partners.com and follow us on social media.

Instagram: @trinitypartnerscola
LinkedIn: Trinity Partners-Columbia
Facebook: Trinity Partners Columbia
X: @TrinityCola

ABOUT TRINITY PARTNERS
With decades of experience and a distinctly local perspective, Trinity Partners provides a comprehensive platform of commercial real estate services for users and owners looking to expand and grow in the Carolinas. Our experts evaluate each client’s needs and craft unique solutions based on deep market knowledge, industry best practices, and a best-in-class mindset that consistently delivers results. We’re known for our entrepreneurial spirit and respected team of professionals who are directly responsible for our company’s success and collaborative culture. We currently lease and/or manage over 31 million square feet of office, industrial, life science, mixed-use, and retail space across the region through our offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina.
www.trinity-partners.com

Beth Richardson joins S.C. Chapter of Women’s White Collar Defense Association

Beth Richardson

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Beth Richardson, a member of Robinson Gray law firm, has been accepted for membership in the newly-formed South Carolina chapter of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.

WWCDA promotes the common business and professional interests of women who practice law and concentrate on white-collar and other defense and compliance work. The organization was founded in 1999, in response to what founders saw as “a glaring lack of women in white-collar practice and in existing professional white-collar organizations.” Since then, it has expanded to 49 chapters throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific, and has more than 3,500 members.

The South Carolina chapter was launched Nov. 1. For more information: https://www.wwcda.org/wwcda-chapters/chapters-south-carolina?Execute=1

Beth has practiced law for more than 20 years. Her practice with Robinson Gray focuses on business disputes, including advising and defending executives and entities in matters related to alleged financial wrongdoing, particularly alleged violations of the False Claims Act (FCA), the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), the Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark law), and the Consumer Financial Protection Act. She has also represented individuals and entities in commercial arbitration settings, such as FINRA, involving alleged violations of commercial contracts, and banking or securities law.

Her clients include publicly traded and private companies and their officers and employees operating in a wide array of industries including health care, financial investing and banking, insurance, energy and utility, restaurant and retail, and commercial development.

In the Fall of 2023, she served as an adjunct professor at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at the University of South Carolina, teaching Legal and Equitable Remedies. She earned her Juris Doctor from Washington University Law School in St. Louis in 2001, where she served as editor in chief of the Washington University Law Review, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University in 1997.

About Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC

Located in the BullStreet District, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, is a South Carolina law firm that offers a tailored, hands-on approach. It provides business transactional and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. The firm’s 39 attorneys serve clients ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. For more, visit https://robinsongray.com/.

Glassdoor Names South Carolina Federal a Best Place to Work in 2024

N. Charleston, S.C. –  South Carolina Federal Credit Union has been named one of the Best Places to Work by Glassdoor, ranking No.13 out of 50 among organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees.

The 2024 Best Places to Work were determined by reviews employees posted on Glassdoor over the past year, where they provided anonymous feedback about their job, work environment, and employer. Employees who choose to share a review are also asked to rate their employer on its compensation and benefits, leadership team, and diversity and inclusion practices, all of which Glassdoor analyzes to determine the top workplaces.

“Earning this recognition for the sixth year in a row reinforces our belief that a thriving workplace culture is one built on trust, respect, and opportunities for personal and professional advancement, and this is the cornerstone of our success,” said Leslie Norris, Chief Human Resources Officer at South Carolina Federal. “We’re elated that our employees love where they work and refer others who share the same passion and excitement!”

South Carolina Federal offers employees a range of best-in-class benefits, including a free health insurance option, rate discounts on mortgage and auto loans, and a generous 401(k) employer match. The credit union also makes it easy for employees to support the causes and organizations they’re passionate about by offering time off for volunteering and connecting them with opportunities to serve a variety of local nonprofits.

If you would like to work for a company that is continuously named a Best Place to Work, visit scfederal.org/culture-careers to browse current opportunities.

About South Carolina Federal
Connect with South Carolina Federal Credit Union for products, services, and financial literacy. With more than 175,000 members and $2.5 billion in assets, the member-owned financial institution operates 29 offices and serves seven major markets including Charleston, Columbia, Georgetown, Greenville, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Spartanburg. Over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs are available worldwide through the Allpoint Network. More information about South Carolina Federal can be found at scfederal.org.

Columbia Lawn Maintenance Company Sold to New Owner

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Sunbelt Business Brokers, a leading mergers and acquisitions adviser for privately held businesses, is excited to announce the successful sale of Green Streets, a trusted lawncare provider serving Northeast Columbia for over 20 years, to Lancescape, LLC.

Under the leadership of Gabe Payette, who took over the business from his father, Green Streets has built a distinguished reputation for its top-notch lawn maintenance and related services since 2001. Reflecting on the transition, Payette shared, “I have cherished the relationships built with our clients over the years and am confident they will continue to receive the same level of exceptional service under new ownership.”

The new owner, Lance Thompson, is excited for the transition of services from Green Streets to Lancescape. “I’ve heard nothing but praise for the exceptional work Gabe and his team have done over the years. I am eager to continue their legacy of service and am thankful for the seamless transition facilitated by Gabe and Sunbelt Business Brokers,” stated Thompson.

Katherine Harris of Sunbelt Business Brokers in Columbia facilitated the transaction. Sunbelt Business Brokers facilitates the purchase and sale of existing businesses. Sunbelt’s professionally trained brokers work closely with business owners to develop a comprehensive sales strategy, identify potential buyers, and negotiate a favorable deal. The firm’s experienced team helps to ensure a smooth and efficient sales process that results in a successful transaction for both the buyer and seller.

For more information about Sunbelt Business Brokers or to inquire about buying or selling a business, please visit columbiasc.sunbeltnetwork.com or contact Katherine Harris at kharris@sunbeltnetwork.com.

Connectivity Point Hires Monica Hyder to Round Out SC Sales Team

Monica Hyder, Account Executive

Columbia, SC– Connectivity Point Design & Installation has hired Monica Hyder as an Account Executive, to support sales in South Carolina. Following the 2019 acquisition of Creative Computer Solutions (CCS) in Columbia, South Carolina, Connectivity Point has consistently expanded, attracting skilled individuals to foster continuous growth.

Monica brings over 7 years of experience in sales, management, and engagement to the Connectivity Point sales team. Throughout her career, she has taken on impactful roles in her community, serving as an Activities Director enriching the lives of seniors and fostering a positivity atmosphere, and as a Regional Director overseeing martial arts, summer camp, and after-school programs. She’s led initiatives that expanded locations and enhanced programs, effectively identifying, and capitalizing on opportunities. Working closely with a leadership coach, she continually refined her approach and empowered her team to achieve success. Her professional journey culminated in her role as the Operations and Sales Manager at a boxing studio, where she emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“I was drawn to Connectivity Point Design and Installation as a place to elevate my talents and skills as a professional while surrounding myself with individuals who demonstrate a positive and growth mindset,” says Monica. “I’m eager to prosper in a company that supports employees and provides an environment for continuous development. Leveraging my extensive sales background, I’m looking forward to building connections, and helping clients transform their visions into reality. I like the challenge of solving problems and delivering solutions and can’t wait to do that in my new role. With this career pivot, I’m looking to increase my wealth of knowledge, experience both professional and personal growth, and make valuable contributions to an amazing team, all of which is really exciting.”

Monica Hyder CPDI Sales Development Representative, can be reached at mhyder@connectivitypoint.com and (803) 683-2649.

About Connectivity Point
Connectivity Point Design and Installation is a fast-growing technology integrator providing design, installation, and support services for low-voltage infrastructure and specialty equipment. Their professional services fall into five major disciplines: Structured Network Cabling, Audio-Visual Solutions, Security Solutions, Wireless Networks, and Telephone Systems. Established in 2002, this Maine-based business has more than 200 employees in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. They perform work in 44 states and 35 countries.

Learn more at www.connectivitypoint.com

Sessler Wrecking Embarks on Strategic Expansion with Launch of Southeast Division

Sessler Wrecking performing large scale industrial laboratory demolition to make way for Amazon.

Waterloo, NY & Rock Hill, SC – Sessler Wrecking, a leader in demolition and environmental services proudly announces its latest milestone: the establishment of its Southeast Division in Charlotte, NC. This expansion marks a significant chapter in the company’s storied history, responding to the growing demand and calls from their valued clients and business partners.

Boasting over six decades of industry experience, Sessler Wrecking’s expansion into the Southeastern United States underscores its commitment to delivering superior services to a broader clientele. This strategic move not only extends the company’s geographical reach but also strengthens its core offerings and professional team, elevating capabilities across all markets served.

As a part of this momentous occasion, Sessler Wrecking is proud to welcome two distinguished industry veterans to its team: Mark Frank and Ed Vernier.

Mark and Ed have joined Sessler Wrecking to spearhead business and project management operations in our southeast marketplace. Together, Mark and Ed bring a combined wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in executing large-scale commercial and industrial demolition and decommissioning projects nationwide. Their appointment underscores Sessler Wrecking’s unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction in this new marketplace.

Mark Frank joins as the Director of Southeast Demolition, leveraging over three decades of experience in the demolition and environmental services industries. His role will encompass chief estimator responsibilities and project oversight, ensuring excellence in every aspect of the division’s operations.

Ed Vernier will assume the role of Director of Southeast Operations, drawing upon over 35 years of executive management experience in the demolition, environmental, and rigging industries. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Ed’s extensive background allows him to lead and manage all facets of Sessler Wrecking’s Southeast Division effectively. Ed serves on the Board of Directors of the National Demolition Association and is the current Treasurer on the Executive Board.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion,” said Jeff Sessler, Principal at Sessler Wrecking. “Our team has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of safety and project efficiencies, setting industry benchmarks, and earning the trust of our clients and partners. Responding to calls and interest from clients and new business partners, we saw a strategic opportunity to strengthen our existing services with our new Southeast Division. Allowing us to continue ‘Making Good Things Happen!’.”

Sessler Wrecking, headquartered in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, is a generational, family owned and operated specialty contractor focused on bridge, building, and industrial demolition, marine services, environmental services, and site preparation. Founded in 1958, Sessler Wrecking has grown steadily into one of the nation’s premier specialty contractors, earning a place as a Top 20 Demolition & Wrecking Contractor, ranked by nationwide revenue in Engineering News-Record. Sessler Wrecking is a proud member and supporter of the National Demolition Association.

The Southeast Division is located at:

1034 Charlotte Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29732
800.833.3210

New Itinerary Announced and Tickets on Sale for COR’s Crash Course Columbia

Crash Course Columbia tickets on sale for March 7-8 tour

COR (Columbia Opportunity Resource) continues to boost local pride and talent retention through its innovative program. Crash Course Columbia has held 10 tours with more than 150 participants of diverse professions, ages, and backgrounds. This year’s tour schedule returns March 7-8, with fall dates to be announced. The program is designed to give anyone from life-long locals to young professionals the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the latest and greatest Columbia has to offer. Tickets start at $125 and are available for purchase online at ourcor.org/engage/crash-course-columbia/tickets/.

“Crash Course Columbia is a unique program for both local businesses and residents to invest in our city,” says Columbia City Councilman Peter M. Brown, chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee. “It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s full of opportunities for any Columbia resident. COR helps connect citizens with the development and organizations that are making change in the community. When businesses in our area invest in programs like this, real change happens. Columbia is on the verge of something special, and groups like COR will be at the forefront of that change and growth.”

In just 10 hours at Crash Course Columbia, participants can explore three entertainment districts, network with more than 10 community leaders, uncover five tourism hotspots, meet five nonprofits, dine at four local restaurants, and become a local champion.

Survey results from prior tours show that after going through Crash Course Columbia, 100% of attendees feel more excited to live in the Columbia region, and 100% of attendees are inspired to share more things to do with their friends and family.

Preview of the 2024 Itinerary
As the greater Columbia region continues to grow, so does the Crash Course Columbia itinerary, evolving each year to incorporate new developments, attractions, and local businesses. This year’s tour includes a day-and-a-half full of education, networking, signature dishes of Columbia, and more.

On Thursday evening, participants will enjoy bites and sips on the patio of Smoked, followed by a tour of the Main Street District on the way to Boyd Plaza, where participants will experience First Thursday on Main. First Thursday is just a taste of the booming arts and culture scene downtown, and a festive kickoff for Crash Course Columbia.

Friday morning will begin in Cayce, where participants will start at Piecewise Coffee for breakfast and caffeine, followed by a visit to Riverbanks Zoo, a trip to the river at Candi Lane, then to Five Points for lunch at Publico and an interactive activity. The day will wrap up with an early happy hour at Steel Hands Brewing.

“Going through Crash Course Columbia changed my perspective of the region and was a major contribution in my decision to continue to live in Columbia,” says Kaih Taylor, manager of third party risk management at AgFirst and COR talent retention action team chair. “Now, as a COR board member, it’s full circle to lead this program. With the new itinerary and pricing structure, I am excited to help expand Crash Course to more participants. It is set to be our best year yet!”

Tickets on sale, discount for COR members
COR is able to provide updated pricing and an impressive itinerary thanks to its partnerships with local businesses. Tickets are $125 for COR members (which includes the 50% discount that COR members receive on all COR events), $200 for nonprofit partners, and $250 for individuals. All food, drink, experiences, and transportation are included, as well as a complimentary one-year COR membership, valued at $75. Tickets are on sale now and open to the public.

Packages are also available for businesses that plan to send several team members through Crash Course Columbia. Programs like this could not be possible without the support of COR’s strategic partners, Experience Columbia SC and Richland County Economic Development. COR is proud to have more than 15 partners since the talent retention initiative’s launch including AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Capgemini and Nephron Pharmaceuticals.

“The partnerships COR fosters with local businesses are the reason we can help individuals — whether new to Columbia or long-term residents — feel confident and excited about living in our vibrant city,” says Emily White, communications strategist at Flock and Rally and COR board co-chair.

COR has worked to build partnerships with both public and private entities across the region to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives and impact. Becoming a corporate partner with COR is a great way for businesses to be connected to the community and ensure employees are thriving both in and outside of the workplace. To become a partner and further invest in Columbia, visit ourcor.org/partners-sponsors/ as COR gladly accepts new sponsors.

Student-focused initiative returns— Capture Columbia dates released
Capture Columbia is for all college-age students living in the greater Columbia region over the summer. Dates for this student-focused program have been released for Summer 2024. The program consists of events for five Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. —June 12, June 19, June 26, July 10, and July 17. Each Wednesday focuses on a different district in Columbia, featuring delightful bites and inspiring speakers. Capture Columbia allows students to further build their network, expand their social circles, and ignite a passion for the area. Applications and more information can be found online at bit.ly/CaptureColaStudentReg. Community members who are interested in attending to network with students can register online at bit.ly/CaptureColaCommReg.

Connect with Crash Course Columbia
Website: ourcor.org/engage/crash-course-columbia/
Instagram: @crashcoursecola
Facebook: @crashcoursecola

Connect with Capture Columbia
Website: ourcor.org/events-service/capture-columbia/
Instagram: @capturecolumbia
Facebook: @capturecolumbia

Connect with COR
Website: ourcor.org
Instagram: @our.cor
Facebook: @columbiaopportunityresource
LinkedIn: Columbia Opportunity Resource

About COR
Columbia Opportunity Resource helps professionals get plugged in to the community, connecting them to opportunities, experiences, and diverse networks. Through programs like Table for Six and Crash Course Columbia, COR fosters local pride and boosts talent retention in the greater Columbia, S.C. region. COR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Lexington Medical Center Celebrates National Wear Red Day for American Heart Month

Lexington Medical Center employees participating in National Wear Red Day.

West Columbia, S.C. – Today, Lexington Medical Center staff wore red to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in honor of National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day is recognized annually on the first Friday in February during American Heart Month to bring greater attention to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for Americans and the leading cause of death for women.

Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in South Carolina, that’s according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. More than 11,300 people died from heart disease in South Carolina in 2020.

Here are five things that can be done to help minimize the risk of heart disease:

1. Eat Healthy
What you eat can affect your blood pressure and cholesterol level, lead to diabetes, and increase your weight — all of which burden your heart. Make sure you watch your trans-fat intake. Those are the processed fats you may get in fried foods, heavy cheeses, and baked goods. Pay attention to nutrition labels at the grocery store. Look for things that have zero or low trans fats to help lower your cholesterol. It’s the cholesterol — especially that bad cholesterol, the LDL — that sits in your sits in your coronary artery and carotid arteries and “clogs your pipes.”

2. Exercise
You can minimize your risk of heart disease or help treat existing heart disease through exercise. Exercise lowers your blood pressure and your heart rate. It also helps your brain release some endorphins, which makes you feel better in general. You don’t need to run a marathon or go to a workout class every day. Simply parking in the back of the parking lot, walking to your destination, or taking stairs instead of the elevator all add up. If you can’t exercise because of various orthopedic issues or age, you can exercise in your chair, even if it’s just moving your legs and getting your circulation going.

3. Quit Smoking
Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease. When you inhale smoke and nicotine, it irritates your arteries. And if your arteries are irritated, they’re more inflamed. Plaque wants to stick to those inflamed arteries, causing exactly what we don’t want — clogged arteries. Second-hand smoke is nearly as dangerous as smoking, so avoid being around it.

4. Sleep Well
It’s vital to get at least six hours of sleep at night. When your sleep is interrupted, your blood pressure and heart rate increase and you have less energy during the day. When you get good sleep, your body can rest, your blood pressure and your heart rate can rest — which means your heart can rest. Being rested helps you have more strength during the day to fight whatever stressors arise.

5. Manage Your Stress
Stress elevates your blood pressure and heart rate and that can affect your heart. Stress can also make you more likely to make bad choices in eating, leading to high cholesterol level and diabetes. Stress sometimes leads to drinking more alcohol than you should, which also leads to health issues down the road.

Even if you start small, try to do each of these five things every day. You will help to improve your existing heart disease or prevent heart disease from developing.

The Heart and Vascular Center at Lexington Medical Center is available if you or your loved one is concerned about your heart health. Visit lexmed.com/HVC to learn more.

About Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It anchors a health care network that includes six community medical centers and employs a staff of more than 7,800 health care professionals. The hospital was ranked best hospital in the Columbia Metro and #2 hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report and was named one of the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Lexington Medical Cancer Center is an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence and has a clinical research and education affiliation with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The network includes a cardiovascular program recognized by the American College of Cardiology as South Carolina’s first HeartCARE Center. The network also has an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, an Alzheimer’s care center and 70 physician practices. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries.