It’s American Heart Month and MetroSouth Medical Center is sending a message:  Get your heart checked.

Employees of the hospital have created a music video to the song “Achy Breaky Heart’ made famous by Billy Ray Cirus.  The video is part of the southside hospital’s campaign encouraging residents to “Know Their Numbers By Heart.”

Throughout the month, MSMC is offering free heart screenings, consisting of a blood test to determine cholesterol and glucose levels, along with blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) readings.  The screenings will be held at the hospital, in doctors’ offices, schools and park district centers.

The campaign is being kicked-off on Saturday, February 6^th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and will feature NBC5’s Andy Avalos and WCIU’s Jeanne Sparrow along side other Chicago and local area celebrities who will help educate the public about the importance of understanding heart health.  The event, taking place in the lobby of MetroSouth Medical Center at 12935 Gregory Street in Blue Island, is open to the public and includes free screenings, refreshments, healthy tastings from local restaurants, raffle prizes and more. To register, please call:  708-489-7927.  Visit metrosouthmedicalcenter.com for a listing of additional screenings taking place throughout the month of February.

Every minute in the U.S., a life is lost from a heart-disease related condition. About 60 million Americans have some form of heart disease.  It is the No. 1 cause of death in the world.  It kills more people than cancer in the U.S.  However, thanks to advanced medical technology and consumer awareness, many Americans with heart disease are doing well.