News

Dr. Larry Gaul Presents Lecture on Cardiovascular Safety and the Aging Athlete at Vail Vitality Center on Sept. 17

VAIL Colo. – In a continued effort to provide current health education and insight the Vail Vitality Center and Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC) are partnering to introduce a summer lecture series focused on “optimizing life.” The next lecture entitled “Cardiovascular Safety and the Aging Athlete” from internist and cardiology specialist Dr. Larry Gaul takes place on Wednesday Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. at Terra Bistro at Vail Mountain Lodge and includes lunch.

Dr. Gaul's presentation focuses on minimizing risk for the “mature” athlete – those over the age of 35.

“My goal is to provide information on the risk of heart disease to older athletes” said Dr. Gaul. “I'll talk some about Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) discuss available testing and provide recommendations for different risk groups.

The lecture includes information gathered at the recent International Olympic Committee conference Dr. Gaul attended in Rome Italy as well as updates from the American Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology.

Dr. Gaul was a cardiologist in Vail for over 20 years and transitioned to VVMC's Internal Medicine department in 2013. He began his mountain journey as a dishwasher at the old Whistle Stop restaurant in Minturn. Then after working as a paramedic and emergency medical technician in Vail he decided to pursue his medical degree. He is a graduate of The University of Colorado School of Medicine and Penn State's Hershey Medical School. He performed his residency in internal medicine in New York and returned to Vail in 1993 as a board- certified cardiologist and internal medicine physician. He is also the head team physician for the U.S. Ski Team Nordic disciplines and a representative for the U.S. to the International Ski Federation (FIS) medical committee. He is a member of the Preventative and Sports Cardiology section of the European Society of Cardiology and the Sports Cardiology section of the American College of Cardiology. His interests include high altitude medicine (Dr. Gaul is a member of the International Society of Mountaineering Medicine) endurance sports (he is a Leadville 100 finisher and coach) and the impact of stress on illness.

Cost for the lecture is $40 per person and includes lunch from Terra Bistro.

The Summer Lecture Series is hosted by the Vail Vitality Center in partnership with VVMC. Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours prior to each session. For information and registration contact the Vail Vitality Center at 970-476-7721 or service@vailmounainlodge.com. Visit www.vailvitalitycenter.com/lecture-series for more.

About The Vail Vitality Center
The Vail Vitality Center is more than just a spa or gym. Guests receive expert counsel in nutrition regenerative medicine age management exercise and fitness rehabilitation acupuncture and chiropractic work Ayurvedic consulting personal coaching restorative spa practices and energy work. Vail Vitality Center wellness options include: the 18000 sq. ft. Vail Athletic Club featuring The Yoga Studio an expansive open concept fitness floor featuring biomechanically correct machines free weights and more a Pilates and rehabilitation studio fitness testing equipment a variety of innovative and inspirational classes Vail's only indoor climbing wall and extensive locker room amenities The Spa offering therapy-based treatments for rejuvenation and restorative benefits and a wellness experience administered by a group of health experts who take a fresh approach to wellbeing pulling from Eastern and Western medicine practices. The Vail Vitality Center offers an enlightened personal journey that is unique to each and every guest. That journey is the take-away that changes lives and encourages true well living.

About Vail Mountain Lodge
Located in Vail Village alongside Gore Creek a short walk away from Vail Mountain Vail Mountain Lodge offers a distinctive alternative to Vail's larger properties. With just 20 hotel rooms and 7 condominiums Vail Mountain Lodge offers the amenities of a luxury resort – 24-hour front desk concierge bell staff renowned on-site restaurant exceptional service expansive fitness facility and spa and a unique wellness experience – and the comfort of a boutique hotel – large rooms with gas fireplaces cloud-like bedding and five-piece baths with heated floors. Property staff is tuned-in to individual needs and welcomes requests. Guests return year-after-year because of the service the setting and the unexpected amenities. Even more unexpected: all lodging reservations at Vail Mountain Lodge include access to the Vail Vitality Center on-site wellness experience all fitness and yoga classes a complimentary Stretch and Ready class offered on select days each week and the 18000 sq. ft. Vail Athletic Club as well as a full breakfast buffet each morning from Terra Bistro restaurant.

About Vail Valley Medical Center
From modest beginnings in 1965 VVMC has grown into one of the world's most advanced mountain hospitals providing Olympic-quality sports medicine leading evidence-based research modern cancer care and extensive cardiology services – all top-quality services with exceptional outcomes. An independent nonprofit medical center VVMC keeps hundreds of jobs and resources local better serving our community and visitors. Providing superior health services with compassion and exceptional outcomes VVMC offers expanding services low infection rates free community services and top-rated patient satisfaction scores.

Media Contact: Emily McCormack
Hula Communications: The Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa & The Vitality Center
emily@hulacommunications.com | (970) 331-6145