In celebration of heart month, Salem Health’s Heart & Vascular Center 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 a free health screening, heart-healthy classes, and forums about general heart health and heart conditions in women. To get a jumpstart on heart-health, a free Healthy Heart guide is available for download at salemhealth.org/heartguide.

New this year is “Talk with a Heart Doc” every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and participate in an informal discussion on heart health with a local cardiologist.

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

Friday, Feb. 1 – Go Red health screenings (Wear red in support of Heart month.)

7 to 10 a.m. - Learn your numbers with a free blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index assessment. Free screenings will be held by appointment only.

Monday, Feb. 4 – Mended Hearts

2 to 3 p.m. – Become a member and share your heart experiences.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 13 – Business women’s heart lunch

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Cardiologist Priya Kansal, MD, discusses heart disease in women, how to better recognize symptoms, and how to know if you are at risk. Free. Salem Conference Center.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 13 – Romancing breakfast

6 to 7:30 p.m. – Registered dietitian Jessica Short prepares French toast muffins with a fruit garnish as she discusses meal suggestions for a romantic and healthy breakfast. $15.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 20 – Cardiologist in the kitchen

6 to 7:30 p.m. – Salem’s newest cardiologist Priya Kansal, MD, leads an informative discussion as she prepares and serves you a heart-healthy meal. $24.

 

Every Friday in February – Talk with a heart doc

Noon to 1 p.m  – Bring a bag lunch and enjoy casual, informed conversation with a Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologist. The schedule of events includes:

Feb. 1: “Heart disease: Am I at risk” by Hrishi Iyengar, MD.

Feb. 8: “How do I decrease heart disease risk factors?” by Kevin Thompson, DO.

Feb. 15: “Get the low down on lipids: Good fat/Bad fat” by Barath Krishnamurthy, MD. Feb. 22: “Stress management in a fast-paced world” by Priya Kansal, MD.

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.

Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.