Hinsdale – Many women spend lots of time taking care of others. As moms, daughters and wives, they can sometimes forget they need to take care of themselves, too. Adventist Hinsdale and La Grange Memorial Hospitals will remind women of this during the hospitals’ annual women’s heart symposium. February is American Heart Month.
“It’s Time to Take Care of You” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. The cost is $20.
The event includes special screenings for HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and body mass index. Participants will have the opportunity to review the results of these health screenings and ask questions relating to health issues with cardiologists Dr. Patricia Martin of Suburban Cardiologists and Dr. Paul Freier of Illinois Heart and Vascular.
“As women, there are so many little things we can do every day that can improve our health,” Martin said. “There are always activities and choices you can make today that can reduce your risks and lead to a better quality of life.”
Added Freier: “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. The more knowledge they have on how to prevent it, the healthier they can be.”
Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. during presentations by Martin and Dr. Andrew Lawrence, an electrophysiologist with Illinois Heart and Vascular. Martin’s presentation, “Risk Factors in Real Patients,” will discuss two heart disease screenings: C-reactive protein (CRP) and coronary artery calcium (CAC). Lawrence’s presentation, “Keeping the Beat,” will address heart rhythm disorders.
“Simple lifestyle changes from reducing caffeine to controlling stress can have a big impact in keeping heart palpitations in the quiet zone,” Lawrence said. “Although they can be worrisome, knowing what causes your heart flutters can be a huge step for those patients who want their heartbeat to be both out of sight and out of mind.”
A panel discussion will take place from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Seating is limited and advance registration is required. For more information, or to make a commitment to your health by attending, call 1-877-65-HEART.
The presentations and panel discussion will be repeated for free at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital’s Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange. Screenings will not be provided. Heart-healthy appetizers will be available.
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