February is Heart Month

Ozarks Medical Center announces events for the community

In honor of American Heart Month in February, Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) is offering several free educational events and heart health screenings. West Plains Mayor Jack Pahlmann has signed a proclamation declaring February as Heart Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. One in every four deaths in the United States is the result of heart disease.

Symptoms include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, and shortness of breath. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

“OMC is one of only nine hospitals in the state of Missouri with an accredited Chest Pain Center. If a person exhibits symptoms of chest pain, 911 should be called. Early intervention improves outcomes, which is why we have the saying ‘time lost is muscle lost’ when it comes to heart attack,” said Dr. M. Faisal Khan, Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist at OMC.

“Listen to your heart.  It may be trying to tell you something. Receiving prompt medical attention is crucial if you are suffering from a heart attack.  If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, dial 911.  The longer you wait, the greater your chances are of having irreversible heart damage or potentially not surviving your heart attack.  When you use 911, you receive quick assessment and care as soon as emergency medical responders arrive. OMC is alerted so our specialized cardiac team is ready to continue your care as soon as you come through our doors," according to Devon Emerson, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services. OMC offers a full line of cardiology care including round-the-clock interventional cardiology for patients suffering from a heart attack.

In recognition of Heart Month, OMC will host a number of community events.

February 4

Community Education Dinner

6-7 p.m., OMC Parkway Center, 1211 Parkway Center, West Plains.

The speaker is Dr. Kevin Crowe, Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist discussing heart care. The dinner is free, but reservations are required. Call 417-257-6735.

February 7

Free Heart Risk Screening & Heart Healthy Breakfast

6:30-10 a.m., OMC Heart Care Services, 1115 Alaska Ave., West Plains.

A free Heart Health Screening that includes a lipid panel, glucose, A1C, blood pressure check, and a vein screening. Fasting is required for testing. OMC dietician will be on-hand with heart healthy recipes and samples. The event is free and no appointment is necessary except for the vein screening (for Venous Insufficiency). Additional low cost labs also are available for a minimal fee. Questions or to reserve a time for the vein screening, please call 417-257-6735.

February 8

Women With Heart Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., South Campus, First Baptist Church, West Plains.

A fundraising luncheon for OMC Heart Care Services. Tickets are $50 each. The guest speaker is Dr. Biplab Saha, Board Certified in Pulmonology & Internal Medicine. Call 417-853-5200 for tickets or more information.

February 27

Community Education Luncheon

12-1 p.m., Riverbend Restaurant, 80 Main Street, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

The speaker is Dr. Muhammad Khan, Board Certified in Cardiovascular Medicine & Interventional Cardiologist discussing heart care. The lunch is free, but reservations are required. Call 417-257-6735.

February 28

Community Education Luncheon

12-1 p.m., Riverbend Restaurant, 80 Main Street, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

The speaker is Dr. William McGee, Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon discussing heart care. The lunch is free, but reservations are required. Call 417-257-6793.

February 21

OMC and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive

12-6 p.m., OMC Parkway Center, 1211 Parkway Center, West Plains.

Walk in, call 1-800-280-5337, or visit https://www.cbco.org/donate-blood/to make an appointment.

February 24-28

Free Heart Risk Screening at OMC Family Medicine Clinics

Individuals may receive a free heart health screening including a lipid panel, glucose, A1C, and blood pressure check from an OMC rural health clinic. Additional low cost labs also are available for a minimal fee. Contact one of the clinics listed below for an appointment. OMC rural health clinic locations include:

OMC Alton Clinic, 100 Medical Drive, Alton, 417-778-7227

OMC Gainesville Clinic, 37 Medical Drive, Gainesville, 417-679-4613

OMC Mountain Grove Medical Complex, 500 E. 19^th St., Mountain Grove, 417-926-6563

OMC Mountain View Clinic, 220 N. Elm St., Mountain View: 417-934-2273

OMC Family Medicine, 181 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 100, West Plains, 417-257-5911

OMC Family Medicine, 312 N. Kentucky Ave., West Plains, 417-505-7100

OMC Thayer/Mammoth Spring Clinic, 10675 Nettleton Ave., Thayer, 417-264-7136

OMC Willow Springs, 201 West High Street, Suite 2, Willow Springs, 417-252-6994

OMC Winona Clinic, 9104 State Hwy 19, Winona, 573-325-4237

“American Heart Month is an excellent time to make an important decision to do everything you can to reduce your risk factors for heart disease,” said A.K. George, MD, OMC Board Certified Cardiologist. “Early detection of risk factors and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk and a free screening event is the place to get information to help you embark on a healthier lifestyle.” 

OMC Heart Care Services, located at 1115 Alaska Avenue, Suite 114, provides complete cardiac care to the community, including open-heart surgery, a 24/7 Cardiac Catheterization Lab, diagnostic testing, and Cardiac Rehabilitation program. OMC’s team of cardiology experts includes Interventional Cardiologists Kevin Crowe, MD, and M. Faisal Khan, MD; Cardiologists A.K. George, MD, and Archana Sinha, MD; and Cardiothoracic Surgeon William “Andy” McGee, MD.