As Feb.’s American Heart Month closes, Montgomery County’s medical officials are using its waning days to keep heart health in the public consciousness. Rachel Ravina collected their recommendations in The Pottstown Mercury.

Dr. Richard Lorraine, county Medical Director, cites the tried-and-true duo of diet and exercise. “[Heart health] is something everyone can do,” he said. “It doesn’t take large resources.”

Laura Williamson, community health educator in the Office of Health and Human Services, spoke of heart attacks. Her advice, too, was nothing groundbreaking — stop smoking, watch blood pressure and cholesterol levels — but nonetheless timely.

“I think most people understand what a healthy lifestyle is,” Williamson said.

Further, she recommended learning CPR, reminding residents that classes are held the first Tuesday of every month at the Human Services Center, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown.

County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alvin Wang, strengthened the CPR endorsement. He referred to its recent effectiveness in helping a Pottstown basketball player who collapsed on the court.

Finally, Todd Stieritz, Public Affairs Coordinator with the Department of Public Safety cited a high-tech resource: PulsePoint. It’s an app that alerts bystanders that someone in their proximity is having cardiac troubles.

More on regional heart health is at The Pottstown Mercury.

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An overview of PuslePoint, the recommended app from the county’s Department of Public Safety coordinator.