February is American Heart Month, and LewisGale Regional Health System is using this designation as an opportunity to educate people about heart health and to help prevent heart disease through a series of free events at all its local hospitals.

For both men and women nationwide, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Approximately 600,000 people die from heart disease annually, and more than 700,000 Americans have a heart attack. Education about heart disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment is an important first step in fighting this disease, which is why LewisGale Medical Center has planned three heart-healthy activities in the hospital’s auditorium during American Heart Month.

LewisGale Medical Center – Education Center Auditorium

• Feb. 21, noon, Getting Fit with Strength Training: Creating Your Own Low-Cost Home Gym, Nicole Cochran, RN, lunch provided
• Feb. 27, 6 p.m., Cardiovascular Disease: Prevention and Treatment, Brent Chapman, M.D., Interventional Cardiology, hors d’oeuvres provided
• Feb. 28, noon, What you Need To Know About Heart Disease, Carolyn Creger, RN, lunch provided

LewisGale Regional Health System’s hospitals consistently rank among the top in the nation for heart care and high-quality clinical care, are regional leaders in cardiac care, and are recognized by health care organizations such as the Joint Commission for providing evidence-based clinical care that results in the best possible patient outcomes. LewisGale Regional Health System is also the only health system in Southwest Virginia with fully accredited chest pain centers at all its hospitals. This exemplary heart care, coupled with these upcoming educational initiatives, are part of LewisGale’s commitment to help people live healthier lives.

For more information on any of the upcoming heart-healthy events, visit lewisgale.com.  To register, call 1-877-2HCA DOCS (877-242-2362).

– Submitted by Joy Sutton, LewisGale Regional Health System