State Health Commissioner

Recognizes

‘American Heart Month’

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and many of its partners, including the Connecticut Division of the American Heart Association, will observe American Heart Month in February. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in our nation and it is important that people do what they can to keep their hearts healthy,” stated DPH Commissioner Dr J. Robert Galvin. “You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by taking steps like eating healthy, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco use, and getting regular health screenings.”

Since 1963, Congress has required the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month.” The American Heart Association works with the administration to draft and sign this annual proclamation.

On Friday, February 5, people around the nation are encouraged to “Go Red for Women.” Every year, the American Heart Association asks people to wear red on National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease in women.

Cardiovascular disease, a largely preventable disease, kills approximately 450,000 women each year, about one every minute. More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women website contains many resources for helping women make heart-healthy choices every day. You can visit GoRedForWomen.org online for resources including:

*Go Red BetterU: A free 12-week online makeover that can change your life.

*Go Red Heart CheckUp: An online tool that provides a ten-year, personal heart disease risk assessment.

*Community of Stories: Join Go Red For Women to connect with others who are speaking up for women’s heart health nationwide and sharing their healthy choices.

*Consumer Education: Educational materials such as cookbooks, brochures, bookmarks, posters, web alerts, etc.

For more information about cardiovascular disease:

*Go Red for Women: GoRedForWomen.org

*American Heart Association: 888-MY-HEART or www.americanheart.org

*Connecticut Department of Public Health, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program 860-509-7655 or online at: www.ct.gov/dph/hdsp.

St Vincent’s Hosting

Heart Health Fair

BRIDGEPORT — St Vincent’s Medical Center will hold its 4th Annual Heart Health Fair on Thursday, February 11, from 7 am to 4 pm in the Main Lobby. The event is open to the public at no cost and is in recognition of Heart Month.

The fair will be a sizable event, featuring 14 booths and offering health screenings, information, free parking, a free raffle and giveaways.

Hosted by St Vincent’s Regional Heart & Vascular Center, the cardiology division of the medical center, the event aims to spread awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors, prevention, and treatment options by teaching area residents to focus on overall health and wellness strategies, rather than simply changing habits after an unwanted diagnosis.

Attendees will be able to view results of cardiac CT scans at the Radiology booth and echocardiogram demonstrations at the Noninvasive Cardiology booth. Body fat analysis, body mass index, and blood pressure screenings will be offered free of charge.

HDL cholesterol screenings for an $18 materials charge and a fasting-required lipid panel for a $25 materials charge will be offered at the Cardiovascular Wellness booth.

Additional booths presenting at the fair are the Regina L. Cozza Women at Heart program and the Healthy Hearts Support Group, Cardiac Rehabilitation/CHF Clinic, Stroke Prevention, Bariatrics, Meet Our Cardiologists, Smoke Stoppers, Women’s Imaging Center, Behavioral Health, Heart Healthy Nutrition and Cardiac Surgery.

For more information about the Heart Health Fair, the St Vincent’s Regional Heart & Vascular Center or for referral to a St Vincent’s cardiologist, call the toll-free care line at 877-255-SVHS (7847) or visit www.stvincents.org.