Punxsutawney Area Hospital to Host Heart Health Educational Seminar Featuring Life’s Essential 8

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . To help the community reduce cardiovascular risk and promote lifelong heart health, Punxsutawney Area Hospital will host a Heart Health Educational Seminar on Tuesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. in the West Wing Conference Room. The event is part of the hospital’s Wellness Connections 2026 initiative and is free and open to all — no RSVP required .
The seminar, led by Dr. Clark Simpson and Dr. Amanda Kostryk, will focus on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a science-based framework outlining eight key measures proven to support cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease and stroke .
What Are Life’s Essential 8?
Developed by the American Heart Association, Life’s Essential 8 comprises eight health behaviors and factors that provide a comprehensive picture of heart and overall health. Improving these areas can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and related conditions at any age .
The Eight Essential Measures
Eat Better — Follow an overall heart-healthy eating pattern rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive and canola oil to support heart and metabolic health .
Be More Active — Adults should aim for at least 2½ hours of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Children benefit from at least 60 minutes of activity a day .
Quit Tobacco — Avoid all forms of tobacco and inhaled nicotine products. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death and severely increases cardiovascular risk .
Get Healthy Sleep — Most adults need 7–9 hours of restorative sleep each night. Adequate sleep supports healing, brain function, and chronic disease prevention .
Manage Weight — Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has wide-ranging benefits, including reduced strain on the heart and improved metabolic markers .
Control Cholesterol — High levels of harmful cholesterol raise the risk of artery plaque and cardiovascular events. Monitoring and managing cholesterol is vital .
Manage Blood Sugar — Keeping blood glucose in a healthy range reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications that can damage the heart and blood vessels .
Manage Blood Pressure — Optimal blood pressure (below 120/80 mm Hg) protects the arteries and reduces heart strain over time .
Together, these eight measures give individuals a checklist for lifelong cardiovascular health — and can be tracked through tools like the AHA’s online My Life Check heart health score assessment .
Why This Matters
By learning how to integrate these habits into everyday life, attendees can take proactive steps toward better heart and brain health. Research shows that individuals who perform well across these eight areas are more likely to live longer, feel better, and lower their risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems .
Whether you’re starting your heart health journey or looking to reinforce healthy habits, this seminar offers valuable, practical insights from medical professionals in your own community.
For more information on the Heart Health Educational Seminar or other wellness programs offered by Punxsutawney Area Hospital, visit www.pah.org.