Presence Saint Joes to Host Free Heart Program Feb. 12 in New Lenox

About 600,000 Americans die of heart disease every year, accounting for one in every four deaths in the United States today. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Learn more about reducing your risk of heart disease at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Matters of the Heart program Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., at the Presence Healing Arts Pavilion in New Lenox.

As part of Presence Saint Joes’ Red Hot Mamas lecture series, this free program is open to both women and men, and will feature a thorough discussion of the incidence of heart disease, risk factors, prevention and early detection by board-certified cardiologist JoAnn Donoghue, D.O.

Dr. Donoghue will share important tips on how to reduce the risk of heart disease by avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, eating well and more.

           “High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease,” she said. “Unfortunately, about half of all Americans have at least one of these three risk factors.”

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices also put people at higher risk for heart disease, including diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.

“The good news is that there are many things you can do now to reduce your chances of getting heart disease,” she added.

Dr. Donoghue will be joined by Margaret Downey, coordinator of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Presence Saint Joes, who will share information about the life-saving Presence Heart Scan.

A quick, easy CT scan, Heart Scan is designed for individuals who may be at risk for heart disease even though they may be symptom-free. The $99 test provides high-resolution pictures of the heart’s blood vessels, and measures the calcium and plaque buildup that leads to heart disease. A radiologist reviews the results and provides a “score” to the participant and his/her physician, who can then recommend treatment and lifestyle changes if necessary.

For more information or to register for Matters of the Heart, call 877.737.4636. Registration and light refreshments begin at 6 p.m., with Dr. Donoghue’s presentation starting at 6:15 p.m. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The Presence Healing Arts Pavilion is located at 410 E. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox.