Jan. 29 - Peninsula Regional Celebrates Heart Month - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

Jan. 29 - Peninsula Regional Celebrates Heart Month

GOOD MORNING DELMARVA - Lower Delmarva counties have some of the region's highest proportions of people with high blood cholesterol, according to state health statistics.

In Wicomico County, 45.1 percent of the population has high cholesterol levels; in Worcester County, 48.3 percent; Sussex is 42 percent and Somerset, 38 percent — all well above the 13.5 percent goal set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States. The number of people with high blood pressure, also a major factor in heart disease, is above average as well.

These statistics show why American Heart Month is especially important on the Eastern Shore. Peninsula Regional Medical Center's Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute will participate in multiple events designed to help make people aware of heart health.

The month kicks off with National Go Red Day on Friday, February 1. This day serves as a visual reminder that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women —more than all cancers combined.

The free Heart & Sole 5K Run/2 Mile Walk will step off from the Avery W. Hall Educational Center at PRMC on Sunday, February 3 at 9:00 am. Participants can enjoy a heart-healthy activity, as well as refreshments and a chance at door prizes after the run/walk. Free signup can be found in the Classes and Events section of www.peninsula.org.

On Wednesday, February 6, PRMC partners with AGH and the Lower Shore health departments for Tri-County Go Red at Berlin Intermediate School in Berlin, MD. Stop by to take advantage of free health screenings and educational information between 5:30-8:00 p.m. Register online at wicomicohealth.org or call 410-543-7028 for information.

PRMC's Education Department and Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute are teaming up for a free Friends and Family CPR class from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19 at the Avery W. Hall Educational Center Auditorium on the PRMC Campus in Salisbury. Knowing CPR could save the life of someone you know and love.

On Saturday, the February 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Guerrieri team will be at Macy's at the Centre at Salisbury checking blood pressures. Know your numbers! Stop by for a free blood pressure check.