While the month of February has developed a reputation for a chubby cherub shooting heart-shaped arrows and for giving chocolates to people you love, it is also designated as National Heart Month.
Across the Crossroads area, local hospitals and organizations are spreading the word and raising awareness about heart disease— the number one killer in America.
Despite being the leading cause of death in Victoria County, heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as implementing a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and fitting in regular physical activity throughout the day. February events have been scheduled throughout the area to educate residents and help you start implementing better lifestyle choices.
Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk
Saturday, Feb. 1
Riverside Park at 311 Memorial Drive
Check-in starts at 8 a.m., opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m.
The annual heart and stroke walk works to save lives not only by raising funds for innovative research but by getting your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues on the move and getting in some exercise. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood pressure and blood flow, lowering cholesterol and strengthening heart muscles. Help to improve the health of yourself and loved ones and raise money for research by joining the American Heart Association’s Heart and Stroke Walk.
DeTar Heart Healthy ExpoTuesday, Feb. 4
DeTar Navarro Hospital Lobby
From 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
www.detar.com/classes-events-programs
Get up close and personal with your heart health at DeTar Healthcare System’s Annual Heart Healthy Expo. Featuring hands-on CPR demonstrations, free health screenings and educational resources. There is something new to learn for residents of all ages.
National Wear Red DayFriday, Feb. 7
Dig through your closet for your red sweaters, socks, ties or dresses to help bring visual awareness to heart disease. On that Friday, make your outfit both a fashion statement and bring attention to heart disease.
Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Class with Hands-On CPR TrainingThursday, Feb. 20
Zion Lutheran Church of Mission Valley
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church of Mission Valley, in partnership with DeTar Healthcare System, is offering a free Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Class on Thursday, February 20 to help residents recognize the signs of heart attack and stroke and enable them to provide life-saving skills.
Beside hands-only CPR. Residents can also learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The class is not for CPR certification but is open to anyone age 10 and older. RSVPs are required by February 13 and can be made by calling or texting 361-582-9635.
Citizen’s Medical Center’s Annual Heart Health FairTuesday, Feb. 25
2701 Hospital Dr.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There’s always something new to learn at the annual Heart Health Fair, from health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and vision. Visit and learn from professionals about heart disease, stroke risks, diabetes, healthy nutrition and more. Master your health and become a healthier you.
DeTar Heart Month: Heart Health 101 Lunch & LearnThursday, Feb. 27
DeTar Hospital Navarro, Education Classroom (Located in the MEDI Center)
From 12 p.m. — 1:00 PM
Join cardiac care team leaders from DeTar Healthcare System and take the first step towards improving your heart health by enjoying a heart-healthy lunch and learning how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Lunch is available for the first 30 people to RSVP to Sarah Hoerig by emailing sarah_hoerig@detar.com or by calling 361-788-6101.
In the season of love, residents should be concerned with all matters of the heart, not just planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date night or picking up a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Give the gift of your heart this Valentine’s Day by preventing heart disease.
