The Houston Northwest Medical Center has been providing a health care leader in the Northwest Houston area for more than 30 years. Their commitment to community outreach and service as a local resource for community wellness has directly benefitted Cypress-Fairbanks residents. Their quality care goes beyond the office setting by providing free or low-cost preventive health screenings and seminars on current and relevant health topics.

To raise awareness of heart disease, the number one killer among women, Houston Northwest Medical Center is hosting a ‘Women and Heart Disease Screening’ on January 30, as well as a “Healthy at Heart” Nutrition and Exercise Event February 18. They also offer a free online Cardiac Risk Assessment to help people determine their likelihood of developing Coronary Artery Disease. Please visit www.hnmc.com for more information.

The Houston Northwest Medical Center is the only Mentor Hospital in Houston for Heart Attack, and one of only two in Texas with this designation in cardiac care. They are also a Cycle III Accredited Chest Pain Center, the highest level of accreditation possible. So when it comes to heart health the HNMC is experienced and professional.

The Women and Heart Disease Screening will be Saturday January 30, 2010 from 8am – 11am at the hospital. The screening will provide baseline heart screening services, blood glucose levels, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and includes a personal assessment – all pertinent information patients need for prevention and early intervention.

The Healthy at Heart Nutrition and Exercise Event will take place Thursday February 18, 2010 from 7pm-8pm at the hospital in Atrium A and B. Here you can get tips on ways to eat healthy, how to read a nutrition label, how to exercise properly, and get the latest information on heart health nutrition research, along with some healthy cooking tips and tasty samples with recipes to enjoy.

If you would like to attend one of these free events please register by calling 281-580-0000. Seating is limited and registration is required. According to the Houston Northwest Medical Center these are steps you can take to cut your risk for CAD (Coronary Artery Disease):

• Don't smoke. If you do smoke, quit. Talk to your health care provider if you need help in quitting.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink. If you are a man, limit your alcohol to no more than two drinks a day, or 14 a week. If you are a woman, limit your alcohol to no more than one drink a day, or seven a week.
• Exercise most days of the week. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. Be sure to check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.
• Eat a healthy diet. This means limiting the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat.
• Control your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, follow your health care provider's advice on how to lower it.
• Control your cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol levels, follow your health care provider's advice on how to lower it.
• Manage your weight. Lose weight if you need to. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice concerning your health. Only your healthcare provider can determine if you have coronary artery disease.

Source: www.hcnonline.com and www.hnmc.com