New York Hospital Queens Provides Free Activities For Heart Month

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Debra Pagano Cohen (718) 670-1586
Cynthia Bacon (718) 670-2515

New York Hospital Queens Marks Heart Month with
Free Educational Programs, Screenings & Events

Flushing, New York, February 1, 2011-- February is Heart Month across the U.S. and the need for awareness and action is especially significant in Queens, where heart disease is the number one killer and death rates are higher than the national average. According to the most current available statistics, Queens has an average death rate due to heart disease of 288 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 217 per 100,000 people.

To help area residents learn more about risk factors and the steps necessary to manage heart disease, the Heart & Vascular Center of New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) is sponsoring a month-long series of free, public Healthy Heart presentations, screenings and demonstrations.

'We are committed to helping make Queens a 'Heart Healthy' community," said Chong H. Park, M.D., director, Division of Cardiology, "and so our physicans, nurses and rehab therapists will be out in the community thoughout February, to promote awareness and educate residents about risk factors so they can take steps to avoid heart disease."

The following presentations are among the educational events that are free and open to the public:

• Todd Kerwin, M.D., director of Non-Invasive Cardiology, will present,'Risk Factors and Cardiac Disease; What You Need To Know And Do" at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 at the hospital's Lang Auditorium
• Kurtis Kim, M.D.,vascular surgeon, will present, "Endovascular Disease and Information about the New York Hospital Queens' Endovascular Program and Hybrid Operating Room" at the Flushing YMCA on Friday, February 18 at 9 a.m.
• The hospital's Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows will present an array of classes including Yoga, Strength, Balance and Flexibility classes, and Meditation postures on February 15 beginning at 6 p.m.. Additionally, the Center will present lectures entitled, "Heart and Stroke Prevention" and "Wellness Lifestyle" as well as a "Vegetarian Cooking Demonstration" and a traditional "Chinese Tea Ceremony."

For a full calendar of community events and information about reservations and locations click on the following link NYHQ Heart Month Calendar 2011 or visit the hospital's website at www.nyhq.org.

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and affiliated Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

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Note to Editors:
Our heart & vascular specialists are available for interviews. Feel free to contact us to arrange for an interview.