By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – In recognition of February being American

Heart Month, River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace has planned a special healthy-heart program for Tuesday, Feb. 18.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. participants can receive free blood pressure screenings in the hospital cafeteria. A heart-healthy meal will be sold in the cafeteria for a $5 donation to the American Heart Association from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Participants will receive a free pedometer and heart-healthy recipes will be available. Door prizes from local heath and fitness centers will also be given out.

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year, causing it to be the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack.

Awareness and education of heart disease are vital to prevention and early

detection. Exercising, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, limiting

alcohol and tobacco

use, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving health screenings regularly will help to prevent heart disease.

St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom has proclaimed February as Heart Health Awareness Month. Robottom hopes the proclamation will raise awareness of heart disease and increase knowledge about prevention.