“Healthy Heart” Morning to Include Low-Cost Screenings, Free HealthyBreakfast Saturday, FEB. 21 in Harlingen

Cardiologist to Speak on Heart Disease at Valley Baptist Medical Center During “National Heart Month” Feb. 23

HARLINGEN – The community is invited to a “Healthy Heart Morning” event on Saturday, February 21, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Valley Baptist Medical Center, 2101 Pease Street in Harlingen (on the first floor of the hospital, South Tower entrance, in the Woodward Conference Center).

The event will feature a low-price package of screenings, including a lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides), blood pressure, and blood glucose testing for diabetes, for $10. (Optional additional tests that will be available will include a Hemoglobin A1C test for diabetes and a C-reactive protein test, which will be offered for $20 each).

Fasting is required for the screenings, but Valley Baptist will serve a free heart-healthy breakfast after participants are tested. Also, participants must make an appointment for the screenings in advance, by calling toll-free 1-888-902-5433.

The screenings and breakfast are part of a series of events being held at Valley Baptist in February in observance of National Heart Month. Residents are also invited to a free “Dessert with the Doctor” event on Monday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Valley Baptist (also in the Woodward Conference Center on the first floor of the hospital). Dr. Eduardo Flores, Cardiologist, will speak and answer questions on “Heart Disease in Women”. Please RSVP for a free heart-healthy dessert by calling 1-888-902-5433.

Valley residents are encouraged to find out whether they are at risk for heart disease, and to learn how to recognize and prevent the symptoms of heart disease, which can save lives. The testing at the “Heart Healthy Morning” event will allow Valley residents to complete an online risk assessment, to estimate their risk of developing heart disease or peripheral artery disease, at www.ValleyBaptist.net/HealthyHearts.