Heart-Healthy Events

Cardiovascular disease mortality in Anne Arundel County higher than state, national average

Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is presenting a month of heart healthy educational events throughout February, widely known heart awareness month.

AAMC is partnering locally with D.A.R.E. to Care and the Million Hearts® national initiative to bring heart health messages to the public. D.A.R.E. to Care provides free vascular screenings and education to prevent the complications of cardiovascular disease. The Million Hearts® initiative promotes the “ABCS” of clinical prevention (appropriate aspirin therapy, blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and smoking cessation) as well as healthier lifestyles to communities.

“We’ve trying to reach those at risk and underserved by partnering with Westfield Annapolis Mall, community centers and experts to extend heart health information out to the community,” says Chad Dillard, AAMC’s executive director of marketing and wellness. “We know from a recent community health needs assessment that Anne Arundel County’s rate of mortality from heart disease is higher than state and national levels. Improving cardiovascular health and quality of life through prevention, detection and access to treatment is a priority for our healthcare providers,” adds Dillard.

All events are free. For a complete listing of heart events visit aahs.org/millionhearts/.

Event highlights include:

Energize at Westfield: Heart Healthy Advice, Wednesdays in February

-In conjunction with AAMC’s Heart Month, cardiac nurses will provide blood pressure screenings, answer questions, and offer friendly advice about heart disease prevention. No registration required.

docsTALK: Saving a Million Hearts

2/26/2014; 6-7:30pm; Westfield Annapolis, Crate & Barrel Court, 2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis

-Join hosts John Martin, MD and Briana Walton, MD for a special edition of docsTALK as they discuss a few commons myths and facts about heart disease and stroke. No registration required.

For more information about these events go to: AAMCevents.com or call 443-481-5555.