KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — As the leading cause of death for all Americans, heart disease claims 600,000 lives annually.  It is understandably frightening to be at risk for heart disease.  Purdue Extension’s “Be Heart Smart” program can help you fight this disease by gaining the necessary knowledge to make heart-smart choices.

Purdue Extension’s “Be Heart Smart” program is a new community program comprising of four heart-health classes.  It is intended to compliment healthcare providers’ recommendations and help you, or your loved one, prevent or manage heart disease.

Topics include:

• Identifying and understanding risk factors for heart disease
• Guidelines for healthy cholesterol and blood pressure
• A heart-healthy eating plan, including a cooking demonstration
• Techniques for stress reduction
• Best practices for talking to healthcare providers

Join Jaclyn Franks, Kosciusko County Health and Human Sciences Educator for the “Be Heart Smart” program this February on Thursday evenings. The program runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at the Purdue Extension Office, 202 W. Main St. Warsaw.  There is no cost associated with the program, but you are expected to attend all four sessions.

Register by Jan. 30 by calling the Purdue Extension office at (574) 372-2340 or by emailing [email protected].