COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
MU Health Care is hosting a heart health event at the Columbia Activity and Recreation Center this Saturday morning. It’s a great chance for people to learn about heart health and get free screenings.
Heart disease is a serious issue in Missouri. In fact, America’s Health Rankings notes that the state is among the top 10 for adults reporting cardiovascular disease. The CDC found that in 2023, Missouri ranked 10th in heart disease deaths, averaging over 188 fatalities per 100,000 people.
At the event, attendees can receive free screenings for heart health and atrial fibrillation (AFIB). They’ll also have the opportunity to check their blood pressure and discuss body mass index (BMI) with health professionals.
The day will emphasize healthy living, featuring a cooking demo and tips for home exercise and CPR. The American Heart Association stresses eight essential goals for maintaining good heart health:
- Eat healthily
- Stay active
- Quit smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Manage weight
- Control cholesterol
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure in check
For adults, this means aiming for two and a half hours of exercise each week, getting seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, and maintaining blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg.
Besides the event, MU Health Care offers cardiac screenings throughout the year, providing continuous support for heart health.
The event will run from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your heart health!
