Targeting the nation's leading killer, Stony Brook University Hospital is marking American Heart Month with preventative screenings and education throughout Suffolk County.
“Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans so we’re trying to teach about risk factors and healthy heart habits,” said Yvonne Acer, RN, MS, CCRN, clinical nurse specialist for Heart Center Accreditation and Non-Invasive Cardiology at the Stony Brook Heart Institute.
Screenings focus on high blood pressure and cholesterol as major risk factors and take place at several hospital campuses, including Stony Brook, and throughout the community. Look for events at libraries in Center Moriches (Feb. 3 and 17) and Patchogue-Medford (Feb. 10 and 24), both from 2-4:30 p.m.
Also February, The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is planning heart-healthy events, among them free screenings by Stony Brook Heart Institute at Port Jefferson Free Library on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Chamber is also embracing the love side of the heart with photo opportunities, the sale of love locks and merchant discounts. Photo booths will be open on Feb. 12 from 5-8 p.m. at Breathe, 116 E. Main St., and on Feb. 27, 5-8 p.m. at The Spice and Tea Exchange, 22 Chandler Square. For details see the Chamber website.
Additionally, the hospital’s Stony Brook campus will hold screenings, paired with education and giveaways. For blood pressure, residents have their pick of Wednesdays, Feb. 4-25, or Thursday, Feb. 12. For cholesterol, it’s Wednesdays Feb. 18 and 25, all from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Resilience Room at The Brook, located off the hospital's main level. Employees and visitors can take advantage of screenings from Monday, Feb. 16 at 11 p.m. to Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. outside the cafeteria.
“Prevention is key,” said Acer, a health educator for at least 15 years. “Know your numbers, get yourself checked out and treat yourself appropriately by going to the doctor and getting routine health screenings.”
For further screenings visit the website.