Henry Mayo offers free heart health fair

Technician Gary Serebryany, left, begins a scan on Paula Otterbein of Canyon Country at the cardio artery screening station during the free Heart Health Fair held at the Santa Clarita Community Center in Canyon Country on Friday. Dan Watson/The Signal
Share on facebook
Share
Share on twitter
Tweet
Share on email
Email

In an effort to provide Santa Clarita residents with an easy way to take care of their heart, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital hosted another of its free community heart health fairs at Canyon Country Community Center on Friday, May 10.

“The most important thing is getting out into the community and educating,” said Linda Dwyer, a registered nurse in the emergency department at Henry Mayo. “Heart health is so important, and it’s wonderful for Henry Mayo to reach out to help them stay healthy. Here we can educate them and show them what they can do to help with their cholesterol or blood pressure.”

Approximately 20 of the hospital’s clinical staff volunteered their time to provide blood pressure monitoring, a carotid artery screening, body composition test with height and weight analysis, and cholesterol and glucose tests.

Ultra Sound Technician Brian Del Los Santos, left, administers the Body Mass Index test to Franz Sanchez during the free Heart Health Fair held at the Santa Clarita Community Center in Canyon Country on Friday. Dan Watson/The Signal

“This is something near and dear to their hearts as they get to go out in the community and do something in their interest outside of the hospital,” said Emily Kim, community benefit specialist for Henry Mayo.  

Participants were able to receive their test results right away, and were then able to speak with a nurse to discuss them.

There were also staff available to speak with those looking to learn more about diabetes management, nutrition or stroke awareness.

Representatives from Northeast Valley Health Corporation, a community health center dedicated to serving the uninsured and medically underserved patients with limited financial resources, were also available to answer any questions.

Dozens of attendees wait for their tests during the free Heart Health Fair held at the Santa Clarita Community Center in Canyon Country on Friday. Dan Watson/The Signal

“We work together with Henry Mayo to help those who don’t have coverage,” said Gina Morales, consumer relations coordinator at Northeast Valley. “We’re always here to tell people the options they have, the type of services we offer — we kinda offer a little bit of everything for everybody.”

Valencia resident Reima Saleem, who was there with her infant, has become a regular attendee of these events because of the fast results, which have helped her monitor her cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

“My cholesterol was 245 the last time I checked and it’s 200 now, so I’m excited that I’m improving,” Saleem said.

The next Community Heart Health Fair will be held on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Newhall Community Center located at 22421 Market Street in Newhall. For more information, call 661-200-1306.

Technician Gary Serebryany, left, prepares to administer a scan of Pedro Leal’s neck at the cardio artery screening station during the free Heart Health Fair held at the Santa Clarita Community Center in Canyon Country on Friday. Dan Watson/The Signal

Related To This Story

Latest NEWS