Ozarks Healthcare encourages Community to “Join #OurHearts in Action” during American Heart Month

American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends, and communities involved. Ozarks Healthcare is reminding its patients and community members that heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes know no borders. The organization encourages patients and community members to focus on heart health through February.

“February is the perfect time to commit to practicing healthy habits for a strong heart,” Dr. William A. McGee, Ozarks Healthcare Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center, said. “It’s important to remember that our health contributes to our ability to fight all types of viruses and diseases. Our hearts are critical organs for all types of functions. Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting your heart’s health. At Ozarks Healthcare, we are proud to educate our community and patients about a heart-healthy lifestyle and the importance of reducing risk for heart disease throughout the month.”

In recognition of American Heart Month, Ozarks Healthcare will host the following heart-focused community events:

Feb. 3

National Wear Red Day®

Show support for the women in your life. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. It’s a third of our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more. It’s a third of the women we can’t bear to live without. On Friday, February 3, Ozarks Healthcare encourages everyone to wear red proudly to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives.

Feb. 6-10

Free Heart Risk Screenings at Ozarks Healthcare Family Medicine Locations

Individuals may receive a free heart health screening at Ozarks Healthcare’s family medicine locations from Feb. 6-10. The screening includes a lipid panel, glucose, A1C, and blood pressure check. Schedule your screening using the contact information below:

Feb. 10

Community Education Luncheon

12-1 p.m., Riverbend Restaurant, 80 Main St., Mammoth Spring, AR.

Dr. A.K. George, board-certified cardiologist will be discussing heart care. The lunch is free, but reservations are required. Call 417-256-9111, ext. 5798, to save your seat.

Feb. 24

Community Education Luncheon

12-1 p.m., West Plains Civic Center, Magnolia Room, 2^nd floor, 110 St. Louis St., West Plains, MO.

Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, board-certified Interventional cardiologist will be discussing heart care. The lunch is free, but reservations are required. Call 417-256-9111, ext. 5798, to save your seat.

Feb. 24

Free Heart Risk Screenings at Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic

A special heart risk screening will be offered on Feb. 24 at the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic for all West Plains School District employees. The screening includes a lipid panel, glucose, A1C, and blood pressure check. Schedule your screening using the contact information below:

Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic

1013 College St.

West Plains, MO 65775

Phone: 417-505-7123

Feb. 24

Ozarks Healthcare and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive

Give blood for other hearts to use and pump this month! Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Willard Hunter Classroom in the Ozarks Healthcare Parkway Center at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains. Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006 or go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood.

“Scheduling a heart screening could save your life,” George said. “By detecting risk factors indicating heart disease early, our staff can work with you to reduce your risk and make necessary changes for a healthier heart and life.”

Heart care services offered through the Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center include everything from basic procedures to significant interventions. Other services include cardiac rehabilitation, abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment, echocardiograms, balloon angioplasty, thrombectomy (clot removal), atherectomy (plaque removal), stent, defibrillator, and pacemaker placement, transradial cardiac catheterization, and more. Ozarks Healthcare’s team of cardiology experts includes cardiologists Dr. A.K. George, Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, Dr. Archana Sinha, and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. William A. McGee. To learn more about heart care services offered through Ozarks Healthcare, visit https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/services/heart-care/. 

Ozarks Healthcare is a system of care encompassing eight primary care and 17 specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home health services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire health system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. For more information about Ozarks Healthcare, visit www.OzarksHealthcare.com.

Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, board-certified interventional cardiologist Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center

Dr. A.K. George, board-certified cardiologist, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center

Dr. Archana Sinha, board-certified cardiologist, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center

Dr. William A. McGee, Ozarks Healthcare Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center