b'CHARITY OF THE MONTHArizona Heart FoundationF ebruary is American Heart Month, a time the nation turns its attention to keeping families and communities free from heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans. The federally designated event reinforces the importance of heart health and the need for more research, with a reminder to get families, friends, and communities involved. Its a tradition thats over half a century strong. The first proclamation was issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1964, nine years after he had a heart attack. Since then, the president has annually declared February American Heart Month. The first Friday of the month, Feb. 5, is National Wear Red Day. Coast to coast, landmarks, news anchors, and neighborhoods will go red to raise awareness and support for heart disease.Consider the Facts: Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. Heart attacks affect more people every year than the population ofDallas, Texas. 83% believe that heart attacks can be prevented but arent motivatedto do anything. 72% of Americans dont consider themselves at risk for heart disease. And 58% put no effort into improving their heart health. The Arizona Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on donors for its outreach and education programs. It was established in 1970 by Edward B. Diethrich, MD, an internationally renowned cardiovascular surgeon, who set the gold standard for providing professional and public education in cardiovascular disease for over 50 years. With the support of its valued donors, AHF continues to pursue its vision of ending preventable deaths due to heart disease.Volunteers for Complimentary UltrasoundThe Arizona Heart Foundation School of Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound is educating tomorrows sonographers. Ultrasound imaging is one of the most effectiveand least expensivemethods of detecting heart disease. Their School of Ultrasound is proud to provide free ultrasound scans not only to first responders and their families but to any individual willing to donate their time. By serving as a Patient Model, members of the community not only provide an educational opportunity for students, who are monitored by instructors and physicians, to practice and perfect their scanning expertise but to stay on top of their personal healthcare needs. Neither a medical diagnosis nor consultation will be given but individuals may be advised to seek the advice of their physician. To schedule your free ultrasound scan please go to their website at azheartfoundation.org and fill out the contact form or call them at 602-200-0437. Together, you can help them provide hope in the fight against heart disease.What Is An Echocardiogram?Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to create a picture of the heart, called an echocardiogram (echo). It is a noninvasive medical procedure that produces no radiation and does not typically cause side effects. During an echocardiogram, the lab technician will see the size and thickness of the chambers, how the valves of the heart are functioning, the direction of blood flow through the heart, any blood clots in the heart, areas of damaged or weak cardiac muscle tissue, or problems affecting the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled sac around the heart.Why Do I Need An Echocardiogram?Your doctor might order an echocardiogram to look for heart disease, monitor heart valve disease over time, or to see how well medical or surgical treatments are working.For Your Safety and Ours, Please Note:A greeter will take your temperature and ask if you have symptoms or have been near someone with COVID-19. All patients, visitors, and staff members are required to wear a mask or face-covering in the clinic at all times. If you have a face mask or covering, please plan to wear it when coming to the clinic. After every patient visit, exam rooms are cleaned and disinfected by the staff. All surfaces (including door handles, chairs, and counters) are sprayed with a disinfectant that kills coronavirus. ArizonaRealCountry.com February 2021 65'