Event: Free Healthy Heart Day seminar

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On Feb. 14, please think about your heart. And by that we mean, give some consideration to your ticker.

On Valentine’s Day, before the candy and roses are dispensed, head over to the Beverly Hilton hotel for a free Healthy Heart Day seminar sponsored by Dr. Sheila Kar (a cardiologist and clinical chief of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute) and the Sheila Kar Health Foundation.

The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., includes a blood pressure check with soothing background music to help mellow you out; a free continental breakfast; a Q&A panel discussion; a performance by the Jersey Boys; and a silent auction. Items include jewelry (sorry, the necklace at left isn’t included), an autographed script from ‘The Simpsons,’ a gift certificate for a St. John’s ensemble, and more.

This year’s panel discussion, says Kar, will focus on preventive medicine. ‘Because of the economy, some people are not going for their regular checkups. There are other people who have controlled diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, but because they feel OK, they’re not refilling their medication.’ Some who have lost their insurance and can’t afford their prescribed medication have turned to natural remedies that may have serious side effects or interactions with other medications.

Says Kar, ‘My whole goal is to keep people out of the hospital.’

Other topics covered by the panel of experts will include women’s health issues, how to take care of your body through the various decades of life, integrative medicine, and the healthcare bill. Although free, an RSVP is required; call (310) 397-9267 to reserve a spot.

-- Jeannine Stein