Heart Month means free screenings at NYHQ

February is Healthy Heart Month and the event should be especially significant in the borough, where heart disease is the number one killer and death rates from heart disease are higher than the national average, according to New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ).
To help Queens residents learn more about their own risk factors, how to prevent heart attacks and treat heart disease, the Heart and Vascular Center of NYHQ is sponsoring a month-long series of free, public presentations, screenings, demonstrations and symposiums at locations throughout the borough.
“We are committed to helping make Queens a ‘heart healthy’ community,” said John Enright, vice president of Cardiac Services at the hospital.
The month kicked off in Flushing, with a presentation at the Library on Wednesday, February 4 and a Health Fair at the Flushing YMCA the following day.
“Our physicians, nurses and rehab therapists will be out in the community throughout February, to promote awareness, share information, and help residents know their risk factors so they can take steps to avoid heart disease,” Enright said.
NYHQ Cardiac Health Center, 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway in Fresh Meadows had special events during the week of February 9-13, including BMI (body fat) testing, Tai Chi demonstrations, healthy heart screenings, personalized risk assessments, and presentations.
On Monday February 23, the Center will also host an informational meeting for people interested in weight management and exercise programs.
Cardiologists and cardiology staff from the hospital, located at Main Street and Booth Memorial Avenue in Flushing, are also going to two other nearby Queens Library branches to talk about heart health and do personal cardiovascular screenings.
They will be at the Elmhurst branch, at 86-01 Broadway on Friday, February 20. Call the branch at 718-271-1020 for more information.
There will be another session at the Bayside branch, located at 214-20 Northern Boulevard on Friday, February 27. Call them at 718-229-1834 for information.
According to Enright, the highlight of the month will be a symposium from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, February 25, at the hospital’s Lang Auditorium.
Eight cardiologists and a patient advocate who survived a heart attack will do presentations on topics ranging from recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, to optimizing your heart health.
There will be demonstrations, displays, and an opportunity for women to talk with three women cardiologists about the special heart disease risks that women face.
Assemblymember Grace Meng will welcome the attendees.
Heart and Vascular Center leaders will also be meeting with civic and business groups in the community during the month, to emphasize the importance of risk factor identification and heart disease prevention.
According to Enright, all of the presentations, screenings and special programs are free and open to the public, although reservations are needed for some events, including the symposium.
Detailed calendar of events and information about reservations and locations are available at www.nyhq.org or by calling 800-282-6684.