February is heart month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease – claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
Heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries. Over time the arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to your heart. Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing heart disease:
- Family history of heart disease, stroke and other vascular disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
The news is not all bad, heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. A few simple steps such using spices to season food instead of salt and making physical activity a part of everyday can help.
In honor of heart month, Indiana University Health White Memorial will host two CPR classes in the Hibner Conference room. The class is free and will cover CPR for adults, children and infants. The use of an AED will also be demonstrated.
- Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 pm
- Saturday, February 23 at 9 am
This class is not a certification class. Participants will receive a CPR handbook which includes a participation card. Appropriate ages for the class is 11 and up. To register, please contact Sharon Hartwell at 574.583.5152.
IU Health White Memorial offers $49 heart scans. Heart scans give a picture of your arteries and can help your physician spot calcium deposits that narrow arteries. Heart scans are a convenient and non-invasive and can offer peace of mind. A heart scan can be scheduled by calling 800.542.7818.