We have often heard the stories of someone who looked so fit, so healthy succumbing to a heart attack. We all have known of someone who was too young, too fit who suffered a stroke to one degree or another.

And, we have all heard what we considered “preaching” by some that we should eat better, exercise more and get regular checkups. Each of these items could have helped, we were told, keep such a dramatic health problem from happening in the first place.

During the month of February, Suffolk residents have been encouraged to learn more about their heart and their cardiovascular system during what many have dubbed Heart Health Month.

And, to facilitate better education and better screening, a number of organizations have planned health fairs and screenings to catch the warning signs of any heart illnesses long before a catastrophic heart attack or stroke hits.

Saturday, the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and the NAACP will host free health fairs, with the SCCA’s event scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the NAACP’s event – to be held at Tabernacle Christian Church – will go from 9 a.m. to noon.

And in each case, organizers have talked about lifestyle lessons each fair can provide, giving Suffolk residents the route to a healthier and longer life.

“We want to bring health awareness to the community,” said Charles Gates of the NAACP. “Because of the lifestyle people are living nowadays, you may live longer, but if you spend the last 10-20 years not enjoying the good quality of life, it’s not the kind of life you want to lead.”

While the events are set for this Saturday, the information shared can have a dramatic impact on your health and as a result, your life.

Getting a better understanding of the decisions you can make to combat potential heart illnesses is important and invaluable.

We not only applaud these organizations for their efforts in arranging these events, but also we strongly encourage everyone to find time this Saturday to improve the health of your heart.