According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, research has clearly shown that lowering cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease-and the first step is having cholesterol checked.

During Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital's "Care for Your Heart" community health fair on Friday, Sept. 12, you can find out your cholesterol numbers and learn what you can do to reduce your risks of developing heart disease.

The effects of age, gender, cholesterol, smoking and blood pressure all factor in the risk of developing heart disease.

"Heart disease is our nation'sNo. 1killer, yet the risk can be managed - often with simple lifestyle changes," said Douglas Gadowski, MD, Henry Mayo's cardiology department medical director. "You can't change your DNA makeup, but simple steps, such as changing your diet and exercising, can lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol."

Henry Mayo's "Care for Your Heart" health fair features information on healthy lifestyle habits to reduce these risks.

Attendees will receive free heart health education materials, smoking-cessation information, and a series of health screenings, including:

* - Cholesterol testing (12-hour fasting recommended)

* - Glucose testing

* - Blood pressure monitoring

* - Height and weight analysis

* - Body fat analysis

* - Pulse oximetry and carbon monoxide measurement

Henry Mayo dieticians will also be on hand to provide heart-healthy dietary tips and recipes. Each participant will receive a Heart Health passport to record his or her test results and a Heart Health summary.

The "Care for Your Heart" Health Fair will take place from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Santa Clarita Community Center, 22421 Market St., Newhall.

For more information about this event, call 661-253-8408.