WVU Medicine University Healthcare announces Heart Month activities

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. February is American Heart Month and National Women’s Heart Health Month. In recognition, WVU Medicine University Healthcare is sponsoring several programs throughout the month to educate the community on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

National Wear Red Day^® is Friday, February 3. Everyone is encouraged to “Go Red” in recognition of heart disease and make the time to Know Your Numbers: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help individuals determine their risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Free blood pressure checks will be offered from 9-11 a.m. in the lobby at Berkeley Medical Center in recognition of “Go Red” day on Friday. Jefferson Medical Center and Berkeley Medical Center will also be offering free blood pressure screenings in the main lobbies of each hospital from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, University Healthcare and the WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center Eastern Division will sponsor a community mini-medical school program on heart disease. The mini-medical school program will be held in the Health Sciences Center auditorium from 7-8 p.m. with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m.

All of these February heart month activities and programs are being offered as a community service of WVU Medicine University Healthcare. For more information, contact the marketing department at 304-264-1223.