SALT LAKE CITY -- This Valentine’s Day, University of Utah Health Care officials want everyone focus on the health of the heart.
“We are encouraging everyone to get out and get healthy with their sweetie today,” said Kelley Whalen of University of Utah Health Care.
Marcus Perry of University of Utah Health Care said the heart is a great place to start.
“A good start to get healthy is to focus on your heart because a healthy heart is a healthy body,” Perry said.
Nurses were at City Creek Friday, offering free blood pressure screenings and tips on how to be heart healthy.
“Today is the perfect day to remember about your heart and full of love and joy and what better way to bring heart awareness,” said Shana Riordan of University of Utah Health Care.
Shoppers stopped to check the health of their heart, and after just 30 seconds the results were in. Doctors said this is one of the simplest ways to take charge of your health.
“My doctor said it probably added an extra 10 years on my life,” said Carl Collins of South Jordan.
In addition to a blood pressure check, nurses also recommend: Getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, cutting down on salt intake, reducing stress in your life, sleeping well and simply laughing more.
“Everybody is focusing on everything heart related anyway with Valentine’s Day today, it’s just one more friendly reminder to take care of your heart so that you’re there for your family and friends in the long run,” Whalen said.
