New Milford Hospital Plans Heart Month Programs

NEW MILFORD — February is American Heart Month and New Milford Hospital joins health care institutions throughout the nation in providing educational information and screenings related to heart disease and stroke.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases rank as America’ s number one killer. They claim the lives of 41 percent of the more than 2.3 million Americans who die each year. Nearly 60 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, ranging from congenital heart defects to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries.

The good news is that in many cases a heart attack can be prevented. The first step is to work with your healthcare provider to evaluate risk factors and then alter lifestyle habits that may increase your risk for heart disease.

On Thursday, February 15, at 6:30 pm at the New Milford Hospital Robinson Conference Rooms, cardiologist Michael Levine, MD, will present a Community Health Forum entitled “Heart to Heart: Living a Healthy Life.” Preceding Dr Levine’s talk the New Milford Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Team will provide a free blood pressure screening.

Dr Levine is a member of the New Milford Hospital Medical Staff. His practice, located in New Milford, specializes in cardiology. His talk will cover topics such as risk factors, diet and exercise, diagnosis, most recent treatments, and critical steps to take when an episode occurs.

On Thursday, February 22, from 10 am to 2 pm, the New Milford Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Team and the American Heart Association will sponsor a free stroke risk assessment and blood pressure screening at the hospital’s main lobby.

Team members will evaluate participants for risk factors, medical history, blood pressure, pulse rate, and carotid bruits and where necessary an action plan will be provided.

These programs are free to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 800/350-1595.