February is American Heart Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and community partners are offering free programs and classes that aim to help people reduce their risk factors for heart disease.

“During American Heart Month we encourage people to take steps to assess their heart health such as knowing their blood pressure numbers,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for SNHD. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but knowing your numbers and taking small steps to incorporate healthier habits into your daily life are important to prevent cardiovascular disease.”

The following heart healthy classes and resources are available to the public:

Free Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure Program

Keeping blood pressure in check is essential for people with hypertension and lowers the risk for stroke or heart disease. Offered in partnership with YMCA of Southern Nevada, the Healthy Hearts Ambassador Program provides personalized support to help people with hypertension develop a blood pressure self-monitoring routine. The program also offers nutrition education and tips to maintain cardiovascular health. Classes are free and begin February 26, at the Durango YMCA, 3521 N. Durango Dr., Las Vegas 89129. The program is available in English and Spanish. For more information, or to register, call (702) 832-4901 or email lacosta@lasvegasymca.org or jjimenez@lasvegasymca.org.

Blood Pressure Screening Events

Free blood pressure checks, administered by SNHD, will be available at the following locations:   

  • Friday, February 2:

The Beautiful Studio, 1 – 3 p.m., at the Go Red for Women Event, 3950 N. Tenaya Way, # 120, Las Vegas, NV 89129

  • Saturday, February 3:

Executive Cuts, 10 a.m.-noon, 921 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106

  • Friday, February 16:

Master Barbering Galo, 3 – 5 p.m., 8090 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89178

  • Friday, February 23:

Fade’em All Barbershop, 3 – 5 p.m., 7760 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117

  • Saturday, February 24:

Blade Masters Barbershop, 10 a.m. – noon, 2245 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108

For dates and locations of future blood pressure screenings, visit Community Calendar – Get Healthy Clark County.

Additionally, SNHD partners with the Barbershop Health Outreach Project to provide permanent, self-administered blood pressure monitoring stations at the following businesses:

  • Executive Cuts, 921 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106
  • Blade Masters Barbershop, 2245 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108

Customers and non-customers alike can stop by these locations and get a free blood pressure check as well as educational materials. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Heart Health Trivia Contest

SNHD is sponsoring a heart health trivia contest during February. People are invited to follow Get Healthy Clark County on social media and enter the contest for a chance to win a Target gift card.  For more information, or to enter, visit https://www.facebook.com/GetHealthyClarkCounty/ or https://www.instagram.com/gethealthyclarkcounty/.

To learn more about heart attack and stroke, visit https://gethealthyclarkcounty.org/manage-your-risk/heart-disease/#million-hearts.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.