A free screening and presentation on heart health will be offered for residents of Rutherford County from 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Feb. 19 at The Foundation on Highway 74A in Spindale. Cardiologist Terry W. Kersey, Jr., MD, who recently opened his practice in Rutherfordton, will be speaker.

Space is limited to 88 participants. To make a reservation, call Debbie Kirkman, manager for cardiovascular prevention and risk assessment, at Mission Hospital at 828-213-7160.

The screenings will take place from 8 – 10 a.m. in the lobby, with Dr. Kersey’s presentation following at 10:15 a.m. A time for questions will be included.

In addition, a variety of exhibits on heart health will be available. These include information about what to do if you or someone you love may be having a heart attack, why you should call 911 and how to perform the new lifesaving “compression only CPR,” which is easier to perform, especially for seniors.

Those who want to be screened must fast for 12 hours before the screening, but a free healthy breakfast is offered for all those attending, so they can eat immediately afterwards.

The screening and presentation are being offered by Asheville Cardiology Associates and Mission Heart Services in Asheville, in cooperation with Rutherford Hospital’s Program of Cardiology and its Education Department.

For information about Dr. Kersey and Asheville Cardiology Associates, of which he is a member, visit avlcard.com. For information about Mission Heart Services visit Missionhospitals.com/heart. For information about Rutherford Hospital visit www.MyRutherfordHospital.com.