BRG Hosts Heart Education and Screening Events

Baton Rouge, La. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in Louisiana and across the country, accounting for one in four deaths in adults. Over the next few months, Baton Rouge General will host several heart health education and screening opportunities designed to help people better understand their health and what they can do to reduce their risk of heart disease.

“The sooner we know our personal risk factors for heart disease, the sooner we can begin making necessary changes to prevent or reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. Andrew Olinde, Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General. “These events will reassure some people that they are on the right track, and for others, they will serve as a much needed warning sign to take steps toward better health.”

Tuesday, Feb. 13 kicks off a series of 5 free lunch and learns at the General. The first will be led by cardiologist Dr. Kris Lindsay with Cardiovascular Institute of the South, who will discuss manageable ways to control cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot at BRGeneral.org.

Other lunch and learns are scheduled for:

• March 14 – Heart Disease and High Cholesterol – Dr. Steven Kelley, Baton Rouge Cardiology Center
• April 11 – 10 Habits of Heart-Healthy People – Dr. Garland Green, Cardiovascular Institute of the South
• May 24 – Know Your Numbers – Dr. Evens Rodney, Baton Rouge Cardiology Center

Then Saturday, March 3, the public is invited to attend the Love Your Heart screening event at BRG’s Bluebonnet campus. The $15 event begins at 7 a.m. and will offer the following screenings:

• Cholesterol screening
• Glucose (blood sugar) screening
• Blood pressure screening
• Heart risk assessment
• EKG (based on individual risk)
• Height, weight, BMI and body fat calculations

Screenings for Love Your Heart Day are provided by Baton Rouge General, Baton Rouge General Physicians, Baton Rouge Cardiology Center, and Cardiovascular Institute of the South. Registration is at BRGeneral.org.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as a satellite campus of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.