Contact: Susan Barber Lindquist
715-838-3012
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –– Luther Midelfort will hold its 11th annual Healthy Heart Fair at Oakwood Mall with screenings for adults, prizes, informational booths staffed by healthcare experts and activities for kids.
The free fair will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, near the “Oakwood Forest” play area and the Luther Midelfort kiosk.
New this year:
• Get your blood sugar screened along with your cholesterol tested.
• See how video games can help cardiac rehabilitation
Speakers also will offer important heart healthy information:
• 10 a.m. “The Vascular System: Your Heart Doesn’t Work Alone” — Dr. Thomas Carmody, cardiovascular surgeon, will discuss vascular disease and new minimally invasive treatments for problems such as hardening of the arteries and aortic aneurysms.
• 11:30 a.m. “Too Fast? Too Slow? Just Right!” — Dr. Arturo Valverde, electrophysiologist, will explain the heart’s electrical system and how to treat an irregular heartbeat.
• 1:30 p.m. Cooking Demo: “MUFA: It’s Not a Secret Ingredient” — Dave Challe, registered dietitian, will cook up recipes with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) that help lower “bad” and increase “good” cholesterol.
Shoppers of all ages can receive important information from health professionals and see numerous displays, exhibits and demonstrations. For example:
• Test your circulation, and find out if you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
• Get your blood pressure checked.
• Peek inside an ambulance. Learn how to give CPR and use an AED.
• See the equipment used in open-heart surgery.
• Enter a drawing for a free Heart Scan, a painless test that can determine your risk of a heart attack ($195 value).
• Test your health knowledge, and have a chance to win one of 10 $25 mall gift certificates.
For children:
Several activities will help children learn why it’s important to care for their hearts. They can:
• Exercise with costumed characters at noon and 2 p.m.
• Color a picture of the heart, and learn its parts.
• Hop around a large heart, and find out how it works.
• Find hands-on help with Scout badges.
The media is welcome to cover the event and interview staff members. Oakwood Mall security would appreciate notification in advance of a visit from media. Call 715-835-3456.
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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.
