In honor of Heart Health Month in February, Schneck Primary Care will be offering free blood pressure checks Feb. 15 at the Brownstown Central boys basketball game and Feb. 22 at the Seymour boys basketball game.

Fans are encouraged to wear red to the games, and prizes will be awarded to those who participate in the blood pressure screening.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors also is important for people who already have heart disease.

To lower your risk, watch your weight, quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke, control your cholesterol and blood pressure, if you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and get active and eat healthy. 

For information on how to lower your risk for heart disease, talk to your family care physician.