Emanuel Medical Center is encouraging residents to make heart health a priority in February, as it is American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America, but there are ways to reduce or eliminate risk of developing it, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.

EMC is offering a free Heart Health Challenge to aid in living a heart healthy lifestyle. Participants will receive via email information, recipes and do-at-home exercises that can be a benefit all year long. To sign up, visit: https://www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org/campaigns/heart-month-2022/heart-month-sign-up

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 805,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Emanuel Medical Center is dedicated to providing patients in Turlock and surrounding areas with comprehensive cardiac care close to home and is a designated Heart Attack Receiving Center.

The hospital also recommends taking time to make sure you are up-to-date on your health screenings. Screenings and check-ups that are often covered by insurance can alert you to health conditions that need addressing sooner rather than later. From knowing your numbers for heart health to a mammogram or colonoscopy, early detection may prevent complications down the road.