Porter Health System offers heart-health awareness programs throughout February

VALPARAISO | In celebration of American Heart Month, Porter Health System will present a series of heart-healthy programs to help educate the community on the prevention and treatment of heart disease - the leading cause of death of both men and women according to the American Heart Association. To register for any of the programs, call (800) 541-1861.

The weekly presentations include:

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. During the program, Cardiologist Dr. Daniel Linert will help participants learn what their numbers - total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) - mean and how to reduce their risk for heart disease. The program is free and refreshments will be provided.

PAD is Bad will be presented at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso.  During the presentation, Cardiologist Dr. Sandeep Sehgal will share more about how PAD is diagnosed and the best treatment options. The program is free and refreshments will be provided. 

Get Back in Rhythm will be presented at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Atrial fibrillation, commonly called A-fib, is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects about 2 million people annually. During the program, Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Mark Dixon will explain how A-fib is diagnosed and when to seek medical treatment. The program is free and refreshments will be provided.

Drop Dead Gorgeous: A Heart Disease Survivor Story Featuring Emmy Award-winning actress and comedienne Tracey Conway. During this special program, Emmy winner Tracey Conway will relate how she literally dropped dead from sudden cardiac arrest at age 38. This special event will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at Sand Creek Country Club, 1001 Sand Creek Drive, Chesterton. The cost is $15 and as a special one-time promotion, anyone age 50 and older will receive a complimentary annual membership (value $15) to Porter's Senior Circle program. Registration is required and can be made online at porterhealth.com.

Porter Health System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, LaPorte, Starke and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties, Porter Health System is a leader in technology, innovation and overall patient care.