Free health screenings for blood pressure and blood glucose numbers are available at the Coastal Health District offices throughout February. Screenings will be taken at the Effingham County Health Dept. office, 802 Hwy. 119 South, Springfield, on Feb. 16 from 1-4 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

“Most people can’t tell if their blood pressure or glucose levels are high,” says Mecca Mason, a community health worker for the Coastal Health District who is leading the heart healthy campaign. “The only way to know is to get screened. Thankfully, the screenings are quick and easy, and once you know your numbers, we can help you come up with a plan for protecting your heart.”

These numbers matter. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. A high blood glucose level can lead to heart disease.

These problems may be more common than you think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. One person dies every 34 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease.

But this is not an unwinnable fight. “There are small adjustments you can make in your daily life that will have a big impact on your heart health,” says Mason. “That’s where we come in. We have information, resources, and programs to help people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”

For more information about the screenings at the Effingham County Health Dept. office, call (912) 754-6484.