During the month of February, the City of Renton will be conducting its annual “Heart Month” community outreach program at various locations throughout the city.
Renton Fire & Emergency Services is partnering with Valley Medical Center, Renton School District, Renton Community Foundation and City of Renton Community Services Department to provide free preventative blood pressure and blood sugar screenings to the public.
Renton firefighters and emergency medical technicians will perform the screenings at schools, businesses and community groups throughout the greater Renton area.
“Renton Heart Month has helped raise awareness that heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in our country and closing the gap between awareness and prevention of heart disease remains a critical public health priority,” Mayor Denis Law said in a press release. “The screenings only take a couple of minutes, but those minutes could save your life or the life of a loved one. “
Early detection can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life. From 1998 to 2008, cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates declined 30.6 percent. However, CVD is still the leading cause of death in the U.S. and strokes remain the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
The American Heart Association has identified “Life’s Simple 7” as key measures to assess your heart health and take preventative measures. The three health factors are: knowing your blood pressure, your blood sugar, and your cholesterol.
The four lifestyle behavior factors are: physical activity, eating habits, weight and tobacco use.
In nine years, Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department has performed over 50,000 screenings during the month of February. Of those, nearly 15 percent were found to have high blood pressure or elevated-to-dangerous blood sugar levels. Those at risk were encouraged to see their doctor to help prevent future medical complications.
Firefighters will be at the following locations on Saturday:
• 8 – 11:30 a.m.: Renton Senior Center;
• 10 a.m. – noon: QFC; and
• 10 a.m. – noon: Fairwood Safeway;
On Sunday, they will be:
• 1 – 4 p.m.; Benson Fred Meyer; and
• 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.: QFC.
For more information visit rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7000.
