WARSAW — As the leading cause of death for all Americans, heart disease claims 600,000 lives annually.

It is understandably frightening to be at risk for heart disease. Purdue Extension’s “Be Heart Smart” program can help you fight this disease by gaining the necessary knowledge to make heart-smart choices.

Purdue Extension’s “Be Heart Smart” program is a community program comprised of four heart health classes. It is intended to complement healthcare providers’ recommendations and help you, or your loved one, prevent or manage heart disease.

Topics include:

• identifying and understanding risk factors for heart disease
• guidelines for healthy cholesterol and blood pressure
• a heart-healthy eating plan, including a cooking demonstration
• techniques for stress reduction
• best practices for talking to healthcare providers

Join Jaclyn Franks, MPH, Kosciusko County Health and Human Sciences educator for the “Be Heart Smart” program this February from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, at the Warsaw Library, located at 310 E. Main St. There is a $15 fee for the four-series program, payable the first day of class.

Register before Feb. 5 by calling the Warsaw Library at (574) 267-6011 or by e-mailing [email protected].