American Heart Month celebrated with Heart Health by the Numbers

[Courtesy of U.P. Health System Portage]

HANCOCK — February is American Heart Month, and to celebrate the occasion, UP Health System – Portage is offering a free cholesterol screening and presentation. The screening is by appointment Thursday and Friday Feb. 19-20 from 7 to 10 a.m., and the presentation will be Monday Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

“We encourage community members to take advantage of this free opportunity to examine their heart health,” said Joni Erkkila, wellness coordinator at UP Health System – Portage. “The results from these tests tell a story, and at the presentation we will help you to understand what the information means to you.”

The free screening incorporates a blood screening that will include a cholesterol panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides), blood glucose and blood pressure. To sign up for the free screening, contact Erkkila at (906) 483-1562 or jerkkila@portagehealth.org .

The results of the screenings will be available at the presentation, which will take place at the Hancock High School Auditorium on Monday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m.. Dr. John Pap from the UP Health System Heart & Vascular group will go through what each number means. He will offer advice on how people can improve their heart health, including changes to lifestyle.

The presentation is open to anyone, even if they did not participate in the screenings. Healthy snacks will be provided.