With Valentine’s day this month, our focus may be on getting or giving a big heart-shaped box filled with chocolates. But the American Heart Association also wants our attention to be on heart health, not only this month but throughout the year.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease. At the Clearwater campus Surgical Technology students in Professor Robert Young’s class are creating hands-on projects about heart health. Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. These class projects should help spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives. When the projects are complete, they will be on display in Clearwater campus lobby during February.