2014 Spread the Red 

Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) is “spreading the red” to increase heart health awareness during American Heart Month in February. 

 “An update from the American Heart Association highlights that over the last 10 years, the rates of death attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) has declined by almost 40 percent; however, nearly 2,150 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day - one person every 90 seconds.  And on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke,” says CMH board-certified cardiologist John F. Best, M.D., FACP.  “The total direct and indirect cost of CVD and stoke in the United States is estimated to be $315 billion – costing Americans more than any other diagnostic group.” 

 But, there is hope.  According to Dr. Best, cardiovascular disease and stroke are largely preventable through a healthy lifestyle.  “American Heart Month is the perfect time to raise awareness, in our hospital and in our community, about heart disease, how we can prevent it and challenge us to commit to living a healthier lifestyle,” says Dr. Best.

The seventh annual “Spread the Red” Lunch and Learn with Dr. Best and the CMH heart team will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CMH Community Rooms. The luncheon is free of charge and includes a heart healthy meal.