Q: Why is it important to focus on hearth health during the holidays?

A: During the holidays, eating and drinking habits change and the stresses of the season take a toll. Heart problems often peak during the holiday season.

Q: Can you tell us about the free Holiday Heart Mart at Providence Care at the Legends?

A: Throughout the season, shoppers can receive a free and convenient 15-minute heart screening, which includes blood pressure, body mass index, pulse oximetry and leg vein assessments.

Q: Why is it important to get your heart checked out?

A: Studies show that three out of five men and one out of every two women age 45 and over will develop heart disease in their lifetime.

Q: Can you share some holiday heart health tips?

A: Don’t wait for the last minute to plan holiday parties, meals, shopping, etc. Call or write friends and family to share your feelings, hopes and joys. Remember to laugh. Eat healthy, keeping meals small and nutritious and curbing the salt and high-fat, high-sugar foods. Drink plenty of water. Engage in daily physical activity. Get enough sleep. And practice giving back. The holidays are the perfect time to volunteer or return a favor to a friend. Helping others helps you.

Q: Do you have any heart-related gift ideas?

A: The holidays can be stressful, so why not include a stress ball for working arm muscles to relieve stress. A few other ideas include jump rope, fruit, a pedometer, a digital scale, a healthy cookbook or a gym membership. Better yet, buy two memberships, one for you and one for a loved one or friend so you can be exercising buddies.