In celebration of American Heart Month this February, the Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute will host various educational events open to the public to promote heart-healthy living and inspire individuals to take an active role in their health.

February activities include free health screenings, heart-healthy cooking classes, brown bag lunch sessions to chat with a doctor and a lunch presentation with tips on how to live a longer, healthier life.

According to the American Heart Association’s “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update 2014,” the death rate from heart disease has fallen about 39 percent, but the risk factors remain alarmingly high. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States accounting for one out of six deaths.  Someone dies from heart disease about once every 90 seconds. It is the number one killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

“We encourage people to lose their inertia and do just one small thing to improve your health and go from there,” said Priya Kansal, cardiologist, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “It can be as simple as walking a little every day or reducing the salt you eat. Every little bit helps.”

Following is the complete schedule of events. Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at the CHEC.

Monday, Feb. 3 – Mended Hearts Support Group

• 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Heart patients and families share experiences and hear from medical professionals. Free.

Friday, Feb. 7 – National Wear Red Day®

• 7 to 10 a.m. Appointment-only Go Red health Screenings. Learn your numbers with blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index assessments. Free.
• Noon to 1 p.m. Talk with a Heart Doc. Bring your lunch and have an informal chat with Dr. Barath Krishnamurthy, cardiologist, about nutrition and heart health. Free.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 – Business Women’s Heart Lunch and Screenings (Salem Conference Center)

• Noon to 1 p.m. Reservation-only Lunch. “Reach your heart potential” presented by Dr. Priya Kansal and Dr. Kevin Thompson.
• 11 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. Screenings. Blood pressure, BMI and bone density screenings. Free.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Cardiologist in the Kitchen

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. – A delicious and heart healthy meal will be prepared and served to you by Dr. Priya Kansal. $15.

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Talk with a Doc

• Noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and have an informal chat with Psychologist Kate Morris on using mindfulness to manage stress and strengthen the heart. Free.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 – World Cuisine for Heart Health

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Dietitian Jessica Short and Chef Robert Palomo will take you to Ethiopia with a spicy mix of vegetable and lentil stews and slow-simmered meats that are not only delicious, but low in sodium and heart healthy! $15.

Friday, Feb. 28– Talk with a Heart Doc

• Noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and have an informal chat with Dr. Kamran Ghalili, cardiologist, about the latest in heart care and heart health. Free.

Pre-registration is required for all events online at salemhealth.org/chec or by calling 503-814-CHEC (2432). The Community Health Education Center is located on the Salem Hospital campus in Building D, 890 Oak St. SE.