Start the New Year out living healthy.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Merit Health River Region, 2100 U.S. 61 North, will hold a New Year Health event, which will include screenings and a hands-on demonstration with a surgical robot.

“This will be a great opportunity to have some free screenings done and to talk with some health professionals about anything you’re concerned about,” MHRR marketing director Leigh White said, “And, if you haven’t seen the surgical robot yet, it’s fascinating.”

The health event will be held at the hospital’s atrium and will include private hernia screenings, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol screenings, glucose screenings, depression screenings and Body Mass Index screenings.

Also, health consults with experts on heart health, cholesterol management, diabetes, mental health, nutrition and exercise will be on hand to answer questions one may have about a particular subject.

The event will also include education on early heart attack care, stroke awareness, smoking cessation as well as hands-on CPR demonstrations.

For participants who are hoping for more accurate testing, White said, they would need to refrain from eating or drinking anything except water after midnight the night before the event.

Quarterly programs for women will continue at MHRR.

Feb. 13, Kevin Roberts, who is the owner of Fit Chef Catering in Vicksburg, will be demonstrating some heart-healthy options.

For more information about the New Year Health event, call 601-883-6118 or visit merithealthriverregion.com/classes-events/new-year-health-event-39056.