Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, with no regard for race or ethnicity. Deaths related to heart disease are particularly high in Georgia and the Southeast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in every four deaths in the U.S. is related to heart disease. The CDC also estimates that heart disease costs the U.S. almost $109 billion each year through healthcare services, medications and lost productivity.

While statistics on the deadliness of this disease are staggering, there are steps individuals may take to prevent this chronic disease. Navicent Health is dedicated to battling heart disease by giving central Georgians the tools they need to live heart healthy lives. Celebrate Heart Fest 2015 with Navicent Health during February, American Heart Month. Make your plans to attend the following events:

· Friday, February 6

o   National Wear Red Day

o   Women’s Luncheon featuring Mark Ballard

- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

- The Library Ballroom, 652 Mulberry St. in Macon

- Please RSVP to [email protected] or 478-633-4733.

- A $5.00 donation is requested.

· Saturday, February 7

o   Save Your Heart Health Fair

- 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

- Central Georgia Technical College Building H, 3300 Macon Tech Drive in Macon

- Free screenings include full blood lipid screening, blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, vision and more.

Attendees may register for these free screenings at www.navicenthealth.org/community-events.htmlor by calling 478-633-6336.

- Angioscreen, a painless, non-invasive screening to determine the risk of heart disease and stroke, will be offered for $50. Please call 1-800-627-2393 to reserve your place for this special screening. (This screening is offered at no charge for U.S. military veterans)

- Cooking demonstration with healthy brunch options at 9:30 a.m.

· Monday, February 9

o   Coronary Artery Disease Seminar featuring Dr. Juan Esnard and Dr. Peter J. Boland

- Topic: “Treatment Options for Significan Coronary Artery Disease When you Have Been Told ‘There’s nothing else to do’”

- 6:00 p.m.

- Carlyle Place, Navicent Health, 5300 Zebulon Rd. in Macon

- Please RSVP to 478-633-7157

· Thursday, February 12

o   Vascular Seminar with Dr. Jason Chapman, Dr. Michael Klyachkin, Dr. John Mix and Dr. William Schroder

- Topics will include “Peripheral Artery Disease,” “Aortic Aneurysm,” and “Carotid Artery Disease”

- 6:00 p.m.

- Wellness Center, Navicent Health, 3797 Northside Dr. in Macon

- Dinner is included. Please RSVP to 478-633-7157.

· Friday, February 13

o   Women’s Luncheon featuring Dr. Olexandr Smolensky

- Topic: “Congestive Heart Failure”

- 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

- Byron Municipal Complex, 401 Main Street in Byron

- Please RSVP to 478-654-2002

· Thursday, February 26

o   Atrial Fibrillation Management Seminar featuring Dr. Felix Sagade and Dr. Fady Wanna

- 6:00 p.m.

- Wellness Center, Navicent Health, 3797 Northside Dr. in Macon

- Please RSVP to 478-633-7157

· Friday, February 27

o   Heart Healthy Cooking Demonstration

- 12:00 p.m.

- Wellness Center, Navicent Health, 3797 Northside Dr. in Macon.

- Free recipes, taste testing and door prizes

- Please RSVP to [email protected] or 478-633-4733.

· Angioscreen Opportunities

o   Angioscreen, a painless, non-invasive screening to determine a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, will be offered on the following dates:

- Thursday, February 19

o   8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

o   Oconee Regional Medical Center, 821 North Cobb St., Milledgeville

- Friday, February 20

o   8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

o   Luce Heart Tower at Medical Center, Navicent Health, 777 Hemlock St. in Macon

- Thursday, February 26

o   11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

o   Wellness Center, Navicent Health, 3797 Northside Dr. in Macon

Please call 1-800-627-2393 to register. There is a $50.00 registration fee. However, this screening is free for U.S. military veterans.

For more information on Heart Fest 2015, please visit www.navicenthealth.org/community-events.html.