Community event

Community event

YOUNGSTOWN

Dr. Allen Amorn and Dr. Allan Katz, cardiac electrophysiologists with Mercy Health Youngstown, will discuss updates in technologies and treatment for atrial fibrillation including LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator for patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, during the Beat Goes On Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall.

The Beat Goes On is a community event provided by St. Elizabeth Heart Vascular Center to raise awareness about Heart Disease. In addition to the speakers, it will feature a heart-healthy dinner buffet, informational displays and basket raffle.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 5:15 and the program begins at 6. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations, call 330-480-3998.

Information session

YOUNGSTOWN

An information session, “The Truth about Cholesterol,” will be offered by Dr. Dannielle MacDuff, Doctor of Naturopathy at Phoenix House Wellness Centers, at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at ITT Technical Institute, 1030 N. Meridian Road.

The event includes a live cooking show by Dr. MacDuff, who will also will discuss natural ways of lowering cholesterol. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call 330-505-3515.

Cessation program

AUSTINTOWN

The Mahoning County District Board of Health is offering the Baby & Me – Tobacco Free Program, a tobacco cessation program to help pregnant women quit smoking so that they can have healthy babies that are born full term. The program also helps women stay tobacco free after the baby is born.

This evidence-based program is funded by the Ohio Department of Health. Women who enroll in the program, quit smoking and remain tobacco free after the baby is born will receive free diapers for 12 months in the form of a $25 voucher to Walmart each month.

The adult smoking rate in Mahoning County is 22 percent, and the county, as well as Ohio, have the poorest infant mortality rates in the United States.

Smoking during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects, premature births, underweight babies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the health risks to the mother and baby.

The county board of health also offers free tobacco cessation classes for teens and adults. The classes are on the first Wednesday of each month. For information, call 330-270-2855, ext. 127.