The Town of Annetta has designated February as Heart Health Awareness Month. Mayor Sandy Roberts made the proclamation at the monthly city council meeting and “[encourages] all citizens to take a proactive step toward maintaining a healthy heart.”
This is an impactful step forward for the town and touches close to home since Mayor Pro Tem Kent Stasey experienced a heart attack at a past city council meeting. Stasey is doing well and emphasizes that heart awareness “is very important,” he said.
A proclamation read by Roberts states that “raising awareness about cardiovascular health empowers individuals to take action to prevent heart disease and improves their overall wellbeing.” The city staff took action by deciding to use opioid grant money to purchase a defibrillator for the city council chambers, a machine that delivers electronic currents to the heart to correct abnormal heart rhythm.
“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States affecting millions of men and women each year and whereas prevention, early detection education are essential in reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke,” Roberts read from the proclamation, adding awareness of health and lifestyle choices like proper nutrition, physical activity, and regular medical visits can aid in a healthy heart.
“I would encourage everybody, not only do all the things that people [do] with your diet and health, as far as activity and exercise,” Stasey said, “but work with your healthcare professionals and you don’t be afraid to ask those questions.”
Heart health is a prevalent issue and can only be prevented through awareness and precautionary measures. Community groups along with organizations like American Heart Association and local health departments have taken it upon themselves to educate, care, and support individuals and families affected by cardiovascular health.
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