ASHLAND, Ky. — The demands of daily life can be rough, and often it’s difficult to find a second to catch your breath, much less time to take care of your heart.

But just a few minutes now, could head off disaster later. To make it easier, King’s Daughters Medical Center is offering a free healthy heart screening from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, at the office of Dr. Hassan Abul-Khoudoud, 1200 Central Ave., Suite 2, Ashland.

The screening includes total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood oxygen levels, and is sponsored by King’s Daughters in cooperation with the Kentucky Heart Foundation. Appointments are not needed, and fasting is not required.

“People should take the time to know their numbers,” said Tracy Woods of King’s Daughters Community Services, “because they can be early indicators of potential heart problems.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 34 percent of all deaths annually. Every 38 seconds, an American dies of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

KDMC is a locally controlled, not-for-profit, 465-bed regional referral center, offering comprehensive cardiac, vascular, medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitative, psychiatric, cancer, neurological, pain care, wound care and home care services. For additional information, visit us online at kdmc.com or call 1.888.377.KDMC (5362).