WEST PLAINS, MO – 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. While many restrictions are still affecting daily activities due to COVID-19, Ozarks Healthcare is reminding its patients and community members that heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes know no borders. The organization is encouraging patients and community members to “keep the beat” and focus on heart health through the month of 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. “While COVID-19 has been a worldwide focal point for over a year, it’s important to remember our health as a whole 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 virtual and community events:
- Facebook Live Discussion: Tips to Stay Heart Strong during COVID-19 (Feb. 12) – Beyond following the typical protective measures to avoid getting sick, individuals should protect their hearts with additional steps to stay healthy and heart strong. Doing so will help boost your immunity against COVID-19 and other infections. Join Dr. Archana Sinha and Dr. William McGee, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center, via Facebook Live for a panel discussion about heart health during COVID-19 on Friday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. (Central Time). Watch for more information to be posted on Ozarks Healthcare’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OzarksHealthcare.
- Ozarks Healthcare and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive (Feb. 19) – 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. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. (Central Time) at the Willard Hunter Classroom in the OMC Parkway Center at 1211 Porter Wagoner Boulevard in West Plains. Masks are required for donors and staff. If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided. Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006 or go to cbco.org/donate-blood.
- #KeepTheBeat Social Media Challenge (Feb. 22-26) – Ozarks Healthcare invites all to participate in a virtual week-long #KeepTheBeat Challenge to take a few moments of each day to practice heart-healthy activities. Watch for a schedule to be posted on Ozarks Healthcare’s social media channels prior to Feb. 22 to follow along with themed days and matching hashtags geared towards heart health. Participants are invited to share their activity on social media to encourage family, friends, and neighbors to practice a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Free Heart Risk Screenings at Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center and Family Medicine Locations (Feb. 22-26) – Individuals may receive a free heart health screening at the Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center and Family Medicine locations during the last week of February. The screening includes a lipid panel, glucose, A1C, and blood pressure check. Schedule your screening using the contact information below:
Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center
1115 Alaska Avenue
Suite 114
West Plains, MO 65775
Phone: 417-257-5950
Ozarks Healthcare Alton
100 Medical Drive
Alton, MO 65606
Phone: 417-778-7227
Ozarks Healthcare Gainesville
37 Medical Drive
Gainesville, MO 65655
Phone: 417-679-4613
Ozarks Healthcare Mountain Grove
500 East 19th Street
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
Phone: 417-926-6563
Ozarks Healthcare Mountain View
220 North Elm Street
Mountain View, MO 65548
Phone: 417-934-2273
Ozarks Healthcare Thayer
1375 Nettleton Avenue
Thayer, MO 65791
Phone: 417-264-7136
Ozarks Healthcare West Plains
181 Kentucky Avenue (Highland Park)
Suite 100
West Plains, MO 65775
Phone: 417-257-5911
Ozarks Healthcare Winona
9104 State Highway 19
Winona, MO 65588
Phone: 573-325-4237
“Scheduling a heart screening could save your life,” Dr. A.K. George, Board Certified Cardiologist at Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center, 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 Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center include everything between basic procedures to open heart surgery. 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 include interventional cardiologists Dr. Muhammad Khan, 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/.
