- February 24, 2025
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center will continue the support of American Heart Month with a free cardiac seminar at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA.
In support of the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women initiative on Feb. 6, the Florida Hospitals in Volusia and Flagler counties performed free cardiac screenings to help the community combat the leading cause of death in Americans – heart disease.
“While many of us who work in healthcare know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, this national awareness day aims to draw attention to the fact that heart disease strikes more women than men,” said Scott Strech, cardiovascular administrator for the five Florida Hospitals in Volusia and Flagler counties. “Many don’t realize that heart disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease claims the lives of one in three. That number is just far too high. We know heart disease can be both preventable and treatable and that’s why it is our responsibility to make every effort to help change these startling statistics for our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. Hopefully, together, we can help put an end to heart disease.”
Florida Hospital DeLand, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial and Florida Hospital Flagler performed free cardiac screenings and offered a heart-healthy breakfast. Additionally, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center offered free cardiac screenings for the more than 400 Daytona International Speedway employees. Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III led by example and was screened for cardiovascular disease.
“We were pleased to have the staff from Florida Hospital at the International Motorsports Center bringing awareness to this important initiative,” said Chitwood. “It was great seeing our team engaged in improving their heart health.”
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center will continue the support of American Heart Month with a free cardiac seminar at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA, located at 500 Sterthaus Drive. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Utpal Desai will discuss preventive measures for staying heart healthy, as well as common ailments related to cardiac issues and what can be done to alleviate them. There will be a special focus on peripheral vascular disease and the signs, symptoms and corrective techniques. To RSVP, call 231-2229.
