Show your heart how much you care during American Heart Month in February
February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to take action to protect yourself from heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death in both women and men. Penn State Health offers many ways you can help raise awareness and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Wear red
National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 2. Wear red to bring greater attention to the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Check your heart health
Is your heart as healthy as it can be? Find out by taking Penn State Health’s quick and simple heart health assessment.
Watch Penn State Health heart experts on TV
Our Heart and Vascular experts are in the media, especially during American Heart Month. Watch these two heart health specials:
“Your Heart Health Matters,” Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., WFMZ-TV 69
The cardiac team at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center talk about the latest advances in detecting and treating heart disease and explain the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Meet a woman who went to the hospital for routine bloodwork, only to find out she needed a heart transplant. Be inspired by a patient who is back on the golf course after successful heart valve replacement surgery. The cardiac experts will also answer questions about women’s risk factors for heart disease and share tips on how to protect your heart with some simple, healthy lifestyle changes.
Guests:
- Dr. Andrew Waxler, cardiologist, Penn State Health Medical Group ─ Berks Cardiology
- Dr. Daniel Lodge, cardiothoracic surgeon, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
- Mary McDevitt, cardiovascular care coordinator, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
“Heart to Heart,” Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., abc27
Find out the symptoms of heart disease and the latest breakthroughs in treating it from Penn State Health Heart and Vascular physicians. Meet a patient who is doing well after lifesaving heart surgery. Hear how one woman is working to prevent heart disease by learning about her family history and making positive lifestyle changes. Penn State Health Heart and Vascular experts will answer viewer questions live. Join the conversation during the live webchat. Submit your questions at abc27.com/HeartChat.
Guests:
- Dr. John Boehmer, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute
- Dr. Safwat Gassis, director, Atrial Fibrillation Center, and cardiology physician lead, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
- Dr. Youn Kim, vascular surgeon, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
- Dr. Michael Farbaniec, cardiologist, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute
Heart Failure Awareness Week Feb. 11-17
Heart failure is one of the most common diagnoses in hospital patients aged 65 and above. More than 6 million Americans have the condition. The risk factors for heart failure may include alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. During Heart Failure Awareness Week, discover how to reduce your risk and learn about the newest therapies for heart failure patients.
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