Published: July 01, 2008 06:56 am            

Heart health at forefront of program

Local News

The Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association will present a call to local businesses to be proactive about heart health today at The Center for Rural Development.

The presentation will detail the impact of cardiovascular diseases and stroke on the people of Pulaski and surrounding counties, highlighting the work that AHA/ASA is doing to impact such.

The important relationships between AHA/ASA and local health care providers will be highlighted.

The program will appeal to businesses and individuals to be proactive in their heart health by not smoking, by eating well, and by moving more. There will also be a call to learn CPR and to have AEDs placed in local businesses and factories. Business leaders will also be encouraged to participate in this year’s Lake Cumberland Area Heart Walk.

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year.

In fiscal year 2006 - 2007, the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives.

The American Heart Association currently has over $5 million in active research grants at the University of Kentucky. This research is vitally important in impacting the number one killer of Kentuckians.

Each day, some 41 Kentuckians die from cardiovascular disease or stroke. Most of these are women. More women than men die from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Over a third of all deaths in Pulaski County are attributable to such.

The local chapter of the American Heart Association raises funds for research, education, and advocacy work through the Lake Cumberland Area Heart Walk. This year’s Walk will be held Oct. 4 at Somerset High School. Chair and presenting sponsor of this year’s Walk is Dr. N. Thanoli.

For more information, contact Jennifer Ebert at (859) 977-4614.

        

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