Crossing Rivers Health Hosts February Heart Health Events
Prairie du Chien, WI - A first step in the prevention of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues, is knowing your "numbers" and recognizing risk factors. What are "numbers" relating to cholesterol and blood sugars? Where can people who want to quit smoking find resources? In recognition of February, American Heart Month, healthy living and management of heart disease risk factors will be the focus of two community education events hosted by Crossing Rivers Health.
"According to the American Heart Association, about 750,000 Americans have a heart attack every year. About 2,200 Americans die each day from heart disease in the United States— that's one every 40 seconds," shares Tammy Thompson, Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehab Manager. "Yes, these statistics are alarming, but there is good news—heart disease is preventable and controllable. Knowing your "numbers" can help prevent cardiovascular diseases."
A Heart Healthy Wellness Fair is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 20 and Friday, February 23 from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. Fasting cholesterol and blood glucose screenings will be available for a fee of $30. Results from the screenings will be available approximately 7 days following the screening. The Wellness Fair will also offer blood pressure checks and feature a variety of Crossing Rivers Health services that promote heart heath.
The second community education program entitled Live Smart for Your Heart, will be Tuesday evening, February 27th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Crossing Rivers Health cardiac rehab department staff Patrick Stovey, Austin Neis and Tammy Thompson will help participants understand their 'numbers', relating to blood sugar and cholesterol management. Additionally they will cover how smoking affects heart health and provide resources to help smokers quit smoking. Finally, they will discuss how these risk factors can lead to a condition known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) which is a disease that causes poor circulation of blood to the legs and feet. Many American's may be living with this disease and not even know it.
"We encourage people to attend both events. You can have your screenings done at the Wellness Fair and then bring your results to the Live Smart for your Heart event to learn about what those results mean and how you can take action to live a healthy lifestyle," Thompson explained.
Reservations are encouraged. Please call Cardiac Rehab at 608-357-2349 or register online.
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