BETHEL — “For Every Heart, There is a Story” will be presented by Dennise Whitley, MHA, director of Advocacy-Maine, American Heart Association, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Bethel Congregational Church, Church Street.

The program is sponsored by the To Your Health Committee of Western Mountains Senior College with the collaboration of Bethel Family Health Center, MSAD 44/Continuing Education and Maine Health Learning Resource Center of Stephens Memorial Hospital.

According to Whitley, cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, heart attack and stroke, is the number one killer for men and women in Maine. However, she said, “women often do not know or believe that they are vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke. Women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths, and more women die of stroke than men. Prevention is important.”

Whitley will emphasize the Go Red for Women movement and the many faces of heart disease. She will discuss how women can connect with each other, educate and empower themselves and make choices to reduce their personal risk. She will explain the controllable health risks for heart disease and the many educational resources available from the American Heart Association including Web-based, interactive programs to help women love their hearts by keeping them healthy.

Participants will also play “Bingo in the Heart of Maine” to help them learn more facts about heart disease.

The To Your Health committee is offering the program as a community service in response to numerous requests for information on women and heart disease. The program is open to the public free of charge.

For more information, contact Rosabelle Tifft at 824-2053.