'Cartersville Has Heart' Free, Set for Feb. 9

Cartersville Medical Center will host its annual community-wide heart health event, "Cartersville Has Heart. And Abby!" on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. Designed to increase overall awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart disease, the event is scheduled to feature free health screenings, a giant interactive heart, heart healthy nutrition and fitness information, and special guest Abby Rike, Season 8 contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

In addition to free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, height and weight and body mass index (BMI), the Redmond Health System mobile AngioScreen unit will be onsite to offer testing for only $50.  Angioscreen is a non-invasive vascular screening designed to provide information about a person’s circulation and determine their risk of heart disease or stroke. Additionally, a CardioChek health risk assessment will be available for only $10 per participant. 

Headlining the event is Abby Rike, Season 8 contestant from NBC’s The Biggest Loser and author of Working it Out…A Journey of Love, Loss and Hope. Rike will take the stage at 2 p.m. and share her message of hope and inspiration, along with exercise and nutrition tips she learned from her experience at The Biggest Loser ranch.  Following her presentation, she will be available to autograph copies of her book (on sale at the event) and to meet and greet event attendees.

Appearing again this year, the AmeriHeart provides an interactive educational component for all ages.  The AmeriHeart is the world’s largest interactive, anatomically correct, inflatable walk-through heart exhibit. 

"We want to offer fun, educational activities—especially for children—because we know that heart disease and diabetes can develop as a result of obesity.  Educating our children early about their hearts, eating healthy and the importance of good nutrition habits is key," Sarah Demmin, director of CMC's cardiovascular services, said in a press release.  

Local emergency medical services providers will be on hand, including Bartow EMS, MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, as well as various hospital departments, demonstrating mock emergency situations. Plus, AirLife Georgia’s helicopter and flight crew will be on display at the event. Physicians will also be available to answer questions. 

The hospital’s registered dietitians will provide healthy snack samples, and a local team of jump ropers will pump up the crowd with demonstrations.  A fashion show by Belk featuring fitness and active wear for women, children and men is scheduled for 1 p.m.  There will even be a supervised children’s area, including dance/fitness music, jump ropes, hula hoops and other fun activities.

Event attendees will have an opportunity to purchase food and beverages onsite from Johnny Mitchell’s Smokehouse, Heaven Scent bakery and Starbucks, and will also receive special giveaways at registration.

For more information about "Cartersville Has Heart. And Abby!" call MedLine at  800-242-5662.

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