Elkins, WV – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Davis Medical Center (DMC) is proudly participating in American Heart Month.
During the month of February, professionals will reach out with free community activities to drive better understanding of risk factors and ways to achieve better heart health.
“There are some things that put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke that you cannot yet change such as getting older or your family history; yet there are many others that you can change,” said Davis Medical Center family practitioner Brett Rosenblum, M.D. “Understanding how health behaviors like diet, tobacco use, and physical inactivity affect cardiac function is a good first step to planning measures to improve health and reduce disease risk.”
A free program on “Heart Age” is planned at DMC on February 19 and 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Randolph County Senior Center on February 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This educational session helps participants learn their “heart age” and how to improve it.
“Heart age is the age of your heart and blood vessels as a result of your risk factors for heart attack and stroke,” said Melissa Kisner, RN. “A woman’s age may be 53, but because she smokes and has uncontrolled high blood pressure her heart age is 75 years old. You can make your heart younger, at any age, by making changes that reduce risk.”
Each Friday in February, patrons of Chatter’s Café can enjoy discounted, heart healthy lunches. Selections feature menu items designed with caloric, fat and sodium intake in mind. A heart-healthy recipe guide and chocolate treat will also be provided to those purchasing the healthy option. Chatters Café is located in Davis Medical Center and is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Healthy Heart Forum planned for Thursday, February 18 provides a comprehensive overview of heart health from a panel of experts in the cardiology, nutrition, pharmacy and cardiac rehab divisions.
WVU Heart Institute cardiologist Chalak Berzingi, M.D. and patient Forrest Campbell are the featured speakers and will address cardiac disease, and rehabilitation following a cardiac episode. Additional highlights include a brown bag medication review, healthy refreshments, and a Q&A with the panel. Reservations are required by calling 304.637.3623. The event will be held in the DMC Cafeteria Overflow on the ground floor near Chatters Café.
More information and tips on heart health are available on the Davis Health System face book page. https://www.facebook.com/DHSWV.