Almost 2 Dozen Groups To Participate In Senator Farley's Healthy Heart Day

Hugh T. Farley

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) announced some two dozen health and service providers are participating in his fifth annual Healthy Heart Day, slated for Tuesday, Feb. 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Riverfront Center in Amsterdam.

"Having a healthy heart and being in good health means taking care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually," Senator Farley said. "While the focus is on heart health Valentine's Day, groups will be available to discuss a wide variety of health issues."

In honor of Valentine's Day. the Community Heart Program of Bassett Heart Care Institute will be providing free heart screenings and program staff will be providing participants with non-fasting total cholesterol tests. Blood pressure and carbon monoxide testing for those who smoke will also be offered. A "Heart Score Card" with all results will be provided and confidential counseling will be available. Montgomery County Public Health and Home Health Care Partners will both be providing free blood pressure screenings. Nathan Littauer Hospital will have representative's available from its cardiac rehab department, as well as counselors who will discuss the Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus programs.

New this year, Amsterdam Memorial Health Care will be providing free blood screenings for diabetes and the Family Counseling Center will perform depression and anxiety screenings. Other participants include: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Partners (ASAPP), Arthritis Foundation, Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer, Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities' Family Room, Community Health Center, Fulmont Community Action Agency, Fulton County Office for the Aging, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Montgomery County Allies for Prevention (MCAP), National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Project Action, Reality Check, Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL), and St. Mary's Hospital.

"This event is not just for the residents of Amsterdam. It is a free event open to everyone in Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady and Saratoga counties. Having a healthy heart affects everyone," Senator Farley said. "I also encourage employers to promote this event to their workers. A healthy employee means a productive employee."

For more information about Healthy Heart Day, contact Senator Farley's Amsterdam District Office at (518) 843-2188. Other health organizations that wish to participate in this event should also call this number.