(Memphis, Tenn. – February 2, 2017) Saint Francis Hospital – Memphis will celebrate Heart Month with a number of activities to help raise awareness for heart disease, the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.   Employees will also raise money for the American Heart Association.

On February 14th, Saint Francis will host a free heart age screening for the public.  Heart age, or cardiac age, is a number that measures your cardiac risk level. It is based on your blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.  The average age of a person in the United States is 38 years old. However, researchers have discovered that adults have a “heart age” that averages seven years older than their actual age.  In addition, Tennessee has one of the highest percentages in the United States of adults with heart ages five or more years older than their actual age.  To learn more, visit our website and register for your free screening.

“Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions,” said G. Phillip Schoettle, Jr., MD, cardiovascular surgeon.

The public is invited to join the hospital’s online healthier heart campaign, “28 Days to Better Heart Health”.  Throughout February, learn more about simple strategies for a healthier heart by signing up on our website www.saintfrancishosp.com or by calling 1-877-594-8316.

Over 28 days of Heart Health, Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis will share daily information and some fun ideas to:

• Reduce high blood pressure and other risk factors.
• Identify heart-related illnesses in your family history.
• Exercise for a healthy heart.
• Recognize the symptoms – and help avoid – a heart attack.
• Kick-start a heart-healthy diet with our recipes.