NEWS RELEASE – February 8, 2024
Beckley ARH Cardiology offers free screenings in recognition of
American Heart Month
February 8, 2024 – In recognition of American Heart Month, Beckley ARH Cardiology Associates will offer a Healthy Heart Fair February 9 and 23 at the Beckley ARH Medical Mall.
The two-day event will offer free services including EKGs, lipid panels, blood pressure and glucose checks and stroke assessments.
Results for all screenings will be available immediately and members of the ARH cardiology team will be on-site if needed.
Natalie Sargent, Clinic Head Nurse for Beckley ARH Hospital, said the fair is designed to not only raise awareness about the risk of heart disease, but also to reduce barriers that might discourage people from receiving medical care.
“People might not get checked because they don’t have insurance and they’re worried about how to pay,” she said. “So, we’re offering everything free of charge, all in one place to make it easier. This way they can get checked and know how they’re doing and if they need further care.”
In addition to the screenings, participants will also receive tips for healthy eating and living and smoking cessation. Additionally, anyone interested can receive instruction on performing hands-on CPR.
“It’s important to know in case of an emergency either out in the community or in your own home,” Sargent said of CPR.
There are no age, health or financial requirements for the walk-in only event, as Sargent says the only goal is to promote heart health in one of the nation’s unhealthiest regions.
“We’re (West Virginia) first highest in the nation in the prevalence of heart attack and coronary artery disease and the seventh in the prevalence of stroke,” she says. “So, it’s important for us to offer help and information.”
The Beckley ARH Cardiology Associates Healthy Heart Fair will take place February 9 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fasting is recommended for best results.
The Beckley ARH Medical Mall is located at 1256 North Eisenhower Dr. in the Cranberry Creek Shopping Center close to Sam’s Club. For more information, call 304-254-2656
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs approximately 6,700 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.