Standard-Examiner file photo
The Utah Transit Authority 603 bus waits to pick up passengers outside McKay-Dee Hospital on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
OGDEN — Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital is inviting the public to attend a free Healthy Heart Fair to help people recognize their risk factors and take steps to improve their health.
February is National Heart Awareness Month, and according to Dr. Michelle Bischoff, a cardiologist at McKay-Dee Hospital, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women alike, as well as people across certain racial and ethnic groups.
“Heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women in Utah and in the world,” Bischoff said. “It’s also one of the leading causes of hospitalizations, so it impacts a lot of our community. Our goal is to help raise awareness and help people lead the healthiest lives possible.”
The event will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the education center at the hospital, 4401 Harrison Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to wear red since Friday is National Wear Red Day.
Several services will be available at the fair, Bischoff said. They include a heart risk assessment kit to help you identify what impacts your heart health so you can best address those risk factors. People will also be able to speak with heart experts.
Some other services will include blood pressure checks, heart healthy exercise tips, heart healthy recipes, and heart healthy refreshments. Throughout the day, there will be 30-minute classes taught by heart experts, who discuss issues such as heart arrhythmias, medication, diet, exercise, sleep and more.
Bischoff said the most important thing people can do is to get ahead of heart disease as much as possible and know your risk factors so you can make a plan with your primary care provider.
Some risk factors that can lead to heart disease include diabetes, smoking, including exposure to second-hand smoke, unhealthy diet, inactivity, high blood pressure and cholesterol and obesity.
“It’s vital that people be an active participant in their own health and well-being,” Bischoff said. “This includes regular check-ups with your primary care provider. Additionally, patients should know their numbers — blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. We encourage people to move more, eat smart, manage their risk factors and take care of their mental well-being.”
Intermountain Health is offering a Healthy Heart Quiz and other information and resources to the public. To take the quiz, go to https://connect.
