January 18, 2008, ST. LOUIS - In honor of American Heart Month in February, the Washington University Heart Care Institute at Barnes-Jewish Hospital will offer a free heart health seminar, "Healthy Hearts: Supporting Your Loved One Through Positive Lifestyle Changes" at their West County location, 1020 N Mason Rd. from 7-8:45 p.m., Wednesday, February 6.

The seminar will discuss how having a spouse''s or loved one''s support can impact the likelihood of creating positive, heart healthy lifestyle changes.

"We will discuss how through working together, couples can help reduce their heart risk," says Andy Kates, MD, director of the heart disease prevention program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, who is presenting the event. "We want to stress the importance of heart disease prevention, viewing the risk factors, and discuss the similarities and differences there are between men and women."

Speakers, along with Kates, include registered dietitian Kim Milford, RD and exercise specialist Loreen Mattson. A heart healthy snack will be prepared and samples will be provided. One attendee will be awarded a Heart Disease Prevention Program gift certificate valued at $260 which includes a visit with a Washington University physician, blood work, electrocardiogram, and a group nutritional counseling session.

Kates encourages couples to collaborate in an effort to prevent or reduce the effects of heart disease. "Being in a situation where a partner can either prepare foods that are healthy or to have someone who is aware of what your needs are can have a marked difference," he says.

For more information or to register, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627.