February is heart health month. Even though deaths from cardiovascular disease have declined 33 percent from 1999 to 2009, it takes the lives of 2,150 Americans each day. That is an average of one death every 40 seconds.

As a community service, the Slatington Public Library, 650 Main Street, Slatington, is hosting a wellness lecture entitled "Keeping Your Heart Healthy", on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. It is sponsored by Bechtel's Pharmacy, 302 Main Street, Slatington.The lecture will be presented by Howard C. Cook, Jr., R.Ph. Cook will talk about heart disease and the preventative measures one can take to reduce the chances of a heart attack, as well as what can be done medically and nonmedically to reduce the chance of a second.Cook is a dedicated pharmacist who believes in combating progressive pharmacy services with professional development and education. He devotes much of his spare time to public presentations on health care issues. He is currently a member of the Service staff at Bechtel's Pharmacy.