February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the number one killer of both men and women. However, people still don’t seem to know as much about this vital organ as they should.
“There are a lot of false assumptions out there when it comes to heart health from who is more at risk to when you’re most likely to experience problems,” explained Dr. Faiq Akhter. “It’s important to separate fact from fiction because those assumptions can put you at risk without you knowing it.”
So, Mercy Health – Springfield is setting the record straight by inviting the community to a special Heart Month Dinner on Thursday, February 29th at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 Mercy Health Springfield/Urbana Heart and Vascular Dinner will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in downtown Springfield. Attendees will enjoy cocktails and a meal along with presentations from physicians providing education on heart health and stroke awareness. There will also be emotional testimonials shared from both stroke and heart attack survivors who can speak firsthand to the importance of heart health awareness.
Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at eventbrite. All proceeds from the event will help fund heart health education as well as heart disease prevention and awareness events throughout the local community.
“The bottom line is many heart diseases are serious, but manageable. By doing your research, asking questions, and talking to your doctor about putting together the right plan for you, a healthy heart is well within reach,” said Dr. Akhter.
Mercy Health’s cardiology team is made up of 17 physicians and advanced practice clinicians who are using the latest technology and most up-to-date techniques to help patients prevent, manage, treat, and recovery from heart diseases and conditions.