February is Heart Health month and the Ventura City Fire Department will be providing free blood pressure screenings to community members on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public can visit any of the six Ventura City Fire Stations to have their blood pressure checked and learn ways to lower the risk of heart disease. Participants will also receive some dark chocolate, a heart healthy recipe, and a wallet card to keep track of their blood pressure.
In support of Heart Health month, Ventura City Fire encourages community members learn more about identifying risk factors and changing habits to make a significant difference in the likelihood of having a heart attack. This Valentine’s Day make a pledge to yourself and your loved ones to keep your heart healthy. Tips include:
- Doing regular moderate aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 times every week
- Eating foods that are low in salt as well as saturated and Trans Fats
- Maintaining a normal body weight
- Avoiding smoking and recreational drug use
- Controlling diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure
Ventura City Fire Station locations:
Station 1 at 717 N. Ventura Avenue
Station 2 at 41 S. Seaward Avenue
Station 3 at 5838 Telegraph Road
Station 4 at 8303 Telephone Road
Station 5 at 4225 East Main Street
Station 6 at 10797 Darling Road
In addition to providing comprehensive fire prevention, fire suppression, technical rescues and fire inspections, each Ventura City Fire engine and truck company is staffed with at least one advanced life support (ALS) paramedic and all fire personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT.) Department members are also cross-trained in other disciplines such as Ocean Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials Response as well as Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) duties.