According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 4 American deaths is from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. In an effort to educate the community regarding heart disease and stroke prevention, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Town Clerk Gerry Compitello recently presented a free Heart and Health Event with Dr. David Kavesteen, a well-respected board-certified cardiologist, providing complimentary screenings. Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station), who assisted in organizing and promoting the program, attended and presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Kavesteen.
Held on April 12 at the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon, interested residents 16 and older received free blood pressure, pulmonary function, EKG and pulse oxygen tests, screening for high blood pressure, lung function, heart-rhythm rate and body oxygenation. Afterwards, participants had an opportunity to get answers to their medical questions from Dr. Kavesteen. All procedures were “completely painless” and no medical insurance was required.
“In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds,” said Legislator Donnelly. “As with any disease, the best treatment is prevention through early detection and intervention. I join with the entire community in thanking the Town of Babylon and Dr. Kavesteen for providing these free screenings for our residents.”