Local events celebrate Heart Health Month

February, the month designated by the American Heart Association as Heart Health Month, is drawing to a close.

But just because the shortest month of the year is almost over doesn't mean you shouldn't take a closer look at your ticker. Heart health should remain a priority and there are multiple area events that make it easy to do so in the next few weeks and beyond.

Feb. 24 there will be a wine and chocolate pairing from 6 to 9 p.m. at Port Cape Girardeau with proceeds to benefit the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation HeartStrong Fund, which provides low-income congestive heart failure patients with scales and pedometers. Tickets are $40 in advance and may be purchased by calling (573) 519-4923.

March 4 is the American Heart Association Heart Walk from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Southeast Missouri State University Recreation Center. The event celebrates and honors survivors of heart attack, heart surgery, stroke and all other cardiovascular diseases. Registration can be completed at capeheartwalk.org.

On March 9 there will be a heart lecture presented by Saint Francis Healthcare System at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. During dinner, expert physicians will discuss important diagnostic tests and procedures such as open heart surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, angioplasty and stenting, stress testing, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. The free event begins at 6 p.m. To register call (573) 331-3996.

Chateau Girardeau will host a trivia night at Deerfield Lodge benefiting the American Heart Association on March 25. Call (573) 651-8189 for more information.

We hope you'll make some time to check out some of these heart-health-related events, and take some time to take care of yourself and your heart.