FARMINGTON – The Healthy Community Coalition is inviting area women to “Summer Healthfest 2004: Women and Heart Health” from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

The event is being held to raise awareness among local women that heart disease is their No. 1 health threat. Since 1984, more women in the United States have died of cardiovascular disease then men, according to the coalition.

Heart disease factors include some beyond a woman’s control and some that can be changed. The first group includes a family history of early heart disease and a person’s age. Risk factors that can be controlled are: smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, physical inactivity and diabetes. While having even one risk factor is dangerous, having multiple risk factors is especially serious, according to the coalition.

To address the risk factors, free screenings will include ScoreKeeper (cholesterol and blood pressure screening, and nutrition and physical activity counseling), bone density, body mass index and diabetes.

In addition, women can ask area health professionals about nutrition, physical activity, breast health, tobacco cessation and local health services.

The concurrent information sessions include:

• “Healthy Heart Nutrition” by Dr. John Steinhouser of HealthQuest, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

• “Strength Training for Women of All Fitness Levels” by fitness trainers from the University of Maine at Farmington’s Health and Fitness Center, starts at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

• “Understanding Heart Disease,” facilitated by registered nurse Sandy Richard of the Healthy Community Coalition, starting at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Participants also can learn how to gain access to health resources in the Franklin Memorial’s library and get tours of the hospital.

For more information, women can contact Katie Marble, 1-800-525-3136 or 645-3136, extension 5112.

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