February 5, 2001

UCSD CARDIOLOGISTS OFFER FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS AND EXPO
FOR HEART FAILURE AWARENESS WEEK FEB. 10-17

Heart failure is the leading killer of men and women over the age of 60, but many people don’t know what heart failure is or even if they have it. UCSD Healthcare physicians are trying to change that by increasing heart failure awareness. In recognition of Heart Failure Awareness Week (Feb. 10-17), UCSD Healthcare and various local businesses are sponsoring heart failure risk screenings at shopping malls throughout San Diego County, and a health expo educating the public about the disease.

The free screenings will include assessments of blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, family history as well as blood sugar and total cholesterol screenings. Along with take-home information about heart failure prevention and treatment, people who undergo screenings will receive gifts and a free raffle ticket for drawings that will take place at the Future Hearts Expo.

Screenings will take place from 11 to 3 p.m. at:

* Future Hearts Expo on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Diego Hilton at Mission Bay will include testimonials by heart failure patients as well as information and demonstrations on treatments of the disease. Various raffle prizes will be given away and Larry Sacknoff, former San Diego sports anchor will serve as emcee.

All events are sponsored in part by UCSD Healthcare, NutriMil, Henry’s Markets, Boney’s Markets, Jimbo’s Markets and XTRA Radio.

Media Contact: Kate Smith
619-543-6163  kdeely@ucsd.edu

UCSD Heart Healthy Tips Of The Day
For February's “HEART MONTH”

UCSD Health Sciences Communications Healthbeat