LEWISTON — Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host the 12th annual “A Heart to Heart” Conference on heart disease on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the morning’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with opening remarks by Susan Horton, executive director of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

“Give Me Five for Stroke” is the first topic of discussion at 9:15 a.m. with registered nurse Peggy McRae, stroke coordinator at CMMC.

McRae will explain what happens when someone experiences a stroke. In particular, she’ll present the five symptoms of stroke and discuss what actions should be taken when someone appears to be having a stroke.

At 10:10 a.m., exercise physiologist Nate Littlefield will talk about “Exercise: Your Prescription for Health,” focusing on the many benefits of a regular exercise program, and provide guidance to help with the three basic forms of exercise: cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. Littlefield is supervisor of the CMMC Wellness Center.

The morning’s final presentations, set to begin at 11:15 a.m. will address nutrition for people of all ages.

Amanda Hutchins, child and adolescent health coordinator at Healthy Androscoggin, will discuss “Nutrition: How to Make It Work For You.” Van Beckman, program coordinator for Let’s Go! Androscoggin will talk about “5-2-1-0 Every Day,” a program designed to encourage improved nutrition and increased physical activity.

Hutchins has been with Healthy Androscoggin since 2010 and is primarily responsible for coordinating youth programs, implementing the Let’s Go! Program in local childcare centers and after-school settings, and managing Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes work in Lewiston and Auburn.

She will address breaking down barriers to eating a healthy diet, focusing on portion sizes, how to read a nutrition label and eating healthy on a budget.

In his role with Let’s Go! Androscoggin, Van Beckman helps promote healthy living for children, youth and families through his work with some 35 local schools, childcare programs, after-school programs and healthcare practices in Androscoggin County. The program’s goal is to improve nutrition and increase physical activity through strategies based around the message: five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and no sugary drinks daily.

The conference is open to public and will be held in the Chairmen’s Room on the lower lever of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building in Lewiston, adjacent to CMMC. There is no charge for participation. Seating is limited to the first 100 registrants.

To register or for more information, call 795-8448. Registrations can also be made via email at prevention@cmhc.org or by visiting the events calendar at www.cmmc.org. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.

Copy the Story Link