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:

Thursday, February 26

Atrial Fibrillation Management Seminar featuring Dr. Felix Sogade and Dr. Fady Wanna

- 6:00 p.m.

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

- Please RSVP to 478-633-7157

Friday, February 27

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

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

- 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

Friday, February 20

-  8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, February 26

- 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

- 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.