February is heart month: Piedmont Macon promotes heart health

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT)- February is Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging people to take steps toward better cardiovascular health.

Sirena Fritz, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Piedmont Macon Medical Center, recently joined 41NBC to discuss why Heart Month matters and how the community can reduce its risk. Fritz says heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death worldwide, making prevention and early detection critical.

According to Fritz, common risk factors include smoking and vaping, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. She encourages people to make small, sustainable changes, such as adding more vegetables to daily meals and incorporating regular exercise into their routines. Limiting alcohol intake is also important, as excessive consumption can place added stress on the heart.

Fritz emphasized the importance of knowing and tracking key health numbers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. She says an ideal blood pressure reading is 130 over 80, noting that monitoring these numbers can help identify potential problems early.

To help promote heart health in the community, Piedmont Macon Medical Center is hosting a free screening event on February 25. The event will run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the New Mall and will offer free health screenings to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by calling 478-538-0408.