BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon recognized the American Heart Association’s Heart Awareness Month by wearing red on Monday, February 3. 

West Virginia has the highest rate of heart disease in the nation at 14.6% and nationally, one in four women die from heart disease. Two of the major causes are high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Regular check-ups can help to monitor these risk factors  By making choices such as exercising, quitting smoking and eating healthier, many cardiac events may be prevented.  

St. Joseph’s Hospital is also holding “Show Cookeries” throughout the month, highlighting heart healthy meals. In addition, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has launched its “Every Heartbeat Matters” campaign to raise funds for Cardiology Services and Cardiac Rehabilitation at the hospital. To learn how you can participate in the campaign, go to the Foundation on the hospital website, www.stj.net, or call 304-473-6819.