Free Heart Health Event at Medical Center of the Rockies Puts Spotlight on Prevention

Feb 6, 2015 | Member News

The PVH and MCR Foundation is hosting “State of the Heart,” an engaging educational event about heart health at Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) in Loveland on February 28 from 8:00 to 10:30 am.  MCR, part of the University of Colorado Health (UCHealth) system, is the region’s leader in cardiac care and the largest and most comprehensive heart and vascular center in northern Colorado.

The Saturday morning program at MCR will include:

  • Free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.  Stroke and heart attack risk assessments will also be offered.  (Please note: 12 hours of fasting prior to arriving is required for screenings)
  • Heart healthy breakfast
  • Keynote speaker
  • Breakout sessions with Dr. Wendy Austin, Dr. Patrick Green and other specialists in cardiac research trends, women’s cardiac care and sports cardiology
  • Tours of state-of-the-art, life-saving procedural areas

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to 970.237.7400 or register athttps://pvhandmcr.thankyou4caring.org/stateoftheheart no later than February 26.  Please include whether you wish to participate in screening when you register.

“During February we think of hearts and romance, but it’s also a month designated by the CDC to raise awareness about heart health,” said Erica Siemers, senior director, PVH and MCR Foundation.  “We wanted to create an event that allows people to show love for themselves and their family members by learning how to stay heart healthy.”

Staying heart healthy is important for everyone.  Cardiovascular disease (CVD) – including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure – is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States (CDC) and the number 2 killer in Colorado (American Heart Association).  In addition, it is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities.  CVD costs the United States over $300 billion each year, including the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. (CDC)

“The event will focus on the services MCR provides the community,” explained Siemers.  “But the ultimate goal is for people to take away information about prevention, so that they don’t need cardiac care.”

From clinics, hospitals and rehabilitation programs to education and cutting-edge research, MCR serves patients with one important goal in mind – to keep hearts healthy.  The heart team at UCHealth Heart Center and MCR includes 20 cardiologists, four electrophysiologists and five cardiovascular surgeons, all with multiple certifications in various heart-related specialties supported by over 300 clinical specialists. UCHealth offers a wide range of clinical support for patients including prevention, nutrition, psychological counseling, research and rehabilitation programs.

MCR performs four times as many cardiac surgeries as any hospital in northern Colorado and leads the region in pacemaker implantations, cardiac interventions and valve replacements (Source: Colorado Hospital Association).

About PVH and MCR Foundation:
The mission of the Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies Foundation is to support its affiliated hospitals and clinics in the delivery and advancement of world-class healthcare in northern Colorado.  The foundation realizes its mission through the development and stewardship of philanthropic resources in support of the hospitals’ mission and strategic goals.