Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Breaking Bronx features a health-related story, event or tidbit as part of an online expansion of our Be Healthy! column.

Welcome to February, Be Healthy! readers. It’s American Heart Month, and  some local groups are sponsoring a number of events and health screenings to spread the word about the dangers of cardiovascular disease and the importance of a healthy heart.

According to the New York State Department of Health, 3,500 Bronx residents died from heart disease in 2009, the latest year for which there is data. People who are overweight, or who have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure are at extra risk for heart disease, as are African-Americans and adults over the age of 65. Behaviors like smoking, physical inactivity and a poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables also increase your risk for heart problems.

Throughout February, Montefiore Medical Center will be hosting a series of events in honor of Heart Month at the hospital’s four main campuses. These include Zumba classes, blood pressure screenings, lectures, cooking and nutrition demonstrations and more. To see the full calendar of events, click here.

For more information on cardiovascular health, visit the American Heart Association website.

Ask Be Healthly! Send Us Your Health Questions.

Got a pressing health, fitness, or nutrition question on your mind? Send them our way! We’re ready to tackle your queries about food, sex, illness, health insurance, prescription medications–any health-related topics that puzzle or interest you.

We’ll answer your question in a Q&A feature appearing in the Norwood News‘ Be Healthy! column. If we don’t know, we’ll ask the experts. You can sign your name or send it anonymously.

Send your queries to: norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org.

Here’s a link to the first installment of Ask Be Healthy!

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