Montco Locations to Offer Free Heart Screenings

This time of year, while you're thinking about Valentines and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, take a minute to think about your heart. In honor of American Heart Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges men and women to take steps this February to become aware of the dangers of heart disease and to develop a plan for heart health.

One in four American deaths this year will be related to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in both men and women. Even more alarming: Heart disease is preventable and controllable.

Lower your risk for developing heart disease by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol. If you smoke, quit. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than one or two drinks per day. And take your medicine as directed, particularly if you're prescribed meds to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Take a step in a heart-healthy direction by attending one of these free heart screenings and classes in your area:

Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and Blood-Pressure Screening - First Wednesday of each month, at Abington Memorial Hospital

Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Info Sessions - March 4, June 3, at Abington Memorial Hospital

Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and Blood-Pressure Screening - March 3, June 2, at Giant Food Store, Blue Bell

Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and Blood-Pressure Screening - March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6 at Lansdale Hospital

Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and Blood-Pressure Screening - May 22, at Giant Food Store, North Wales