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St. Peter's Hospital - Heart of the Matter
A free community event, Heart of the Matter focuses on the prevention of heart disease. The event begins with a free, early morning fasting blood draw; the results are available at the evening event. Those attending have the opportunity to review their results with a cardiologist, family physician, nurse educator, dietitians, and fitness experts. They can also see an echocardiogram test; monitor their blood pressure and body fat; undergo a peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening; have their body fat and body mass index (BMI) measured; enjoy the results of heart-healthy cooking demonstrations; and view fitness demonstrations. Participants also see an automated external defibrillator, stress test, and CPR demonstrations, and enjoy chair and foot massages and skin consultations. The event is a collaborative effort of St. Peter’s, the Montana Chapter of the American Heart Association, and community organizations.
What is it?
A free community event, Heart of the Matter focuses on the prevention of heart disease. The event begins with a free, early morning fasting blood draw; the results are available at the evening event. Those attending have the opportunity to review their results with a cardiologist, family physician, nurse educator, dietitians, and fitness experts. They can also see an echocardiogram test; monitor their blood pressure and body fat; undergo a peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening; have their body fat and body mass index (BMI) measured; enjoy the results of heart-healthy cooking demonstrations; and view fitness demonstrations. Participants also see an automated external defibrillator, stress test, and CPR demonstrations, and enjoy chair and foot massages and skin consultations. The event is a collaborative effort of St. Peter’s, the Montana Chapter of the American Heart Association, and community organizations.
Who is it for?
Men and women in St. Peter’s service area, especially those 30 years of age and older.
Why do they do it?
The event is held to help address the area’s high incidence of heart disease, as well as high death rates for heart attacks and strokes, combined with generally poor lifestyle habits, and to empower people to make small life changes that may save their lives. Many of those screened were referred to primary care providers for high blood pressure, depression, skin cancer, mammograms, weight management, and osteoporosis.
Impact
In 2013, the event was attended by 500 people:
- 178 individuals received free blood draws; 58 of them were determined to be at risk
- 43 people had PAD screenings; 8 were referred for follow-up
- Hundreds received screenings for BMI, blood pressure, hearing loss, dental health, and more
Another 400 women attended a Go Red for Women wellness screening and health fair at the local Macy’s store earlier in the month.
Contact: Peggy Stebbins
Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Telephone: 406-444-2135
E-mail: pstebbins@stpetes.org
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