Prevention

Blood pressure checks
High blood pressure is one of the three major risk factors for heart attack, but it can be controlled through a low-fat/low-salt diet, weight loss, physical activity and other lifestyle changes prescribed by your doctor. For a free blood pressure screening, visit the Health and Wellness Center, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road, from 7 to 10 am on Wednesdays.

Cholesterol monitoring
High blood cholesterol is one of three major risk factors for heart attack, but healthy levels can be maintained with a proper diet and regular exercise. For a cholesterol screening, visit the Health and Wellness Center, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road, from 7 to 10 am on Wednesdays. Cost is $22.

Diet and nutrition
Excess body weight is one of three major risk factors for heart attack, but a healthy body weight can be maintained with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Primary care doctors can help you determine the correct diet and exercise regimen for your lifestyle.

Exercise and fitness
Exercise is an important component to keeping heart healthy and reducing heart disease risk. Physical activity can also positively impact high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and excess weight. Primary care doctors can help you determine an exercise and fitness plan to fit your lifestyle.

Heart screenings
Saint Francis Medical Center offers screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and lipid panel analysis every Wednesday from 7 to 10 am in the Health and Wellness Center, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road. Cost is $27.50.

AAA Screening

A screening to determine your risk abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is offered quarterly by John C. Wiggans, MD, FACS, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon on staff at Saint Francis' Heart Institute. The brief, noninvasive scan is often recommended for people age 55 and older. To find out the date and time of the next screening opportunity, call 573-331-5877 or e-mail sfmc@sfmc.net.