Mega Doctor News
Each year, South Texas Health System Heart shines a spotlight on the dangers of cardiovascular disease during American Heart Month, observed in February, through its annual Heroes with Heart 5K.
Beyond serving as an opportunity for Rio Grande Valley residents to get active – an essential component of good health – the popular run/walk encourages them to take all necessary steps to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle and avoid cardiovascular disease, including eating well and quitting smoking.
With the prevalence of heart disease increasing among young adults, STHS Heart has dedicated this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K to celebrating those individuals below the age of 50 who have survived and thrived in their battle with the disease, including those who have suffered heart attacks and been diagnosed with heart failure, ailments typically afflicting the elderly.
Today, one in 20 adults aged 20 and older are living with coronary artery disease, per the CDC. Meanwhile, heart attack deaths among people between the ages of 25 and 44 increased by 29.9% over the first two years of the pandemic, according to a study conducted by Cedars Sinai hospital.
So, what’s causing the steady increase in cardiovascular issues among the younger population? The nation’s obesity epidemic, per health experts, with about 75% of the U.S. population considered obese or overweight, per the CDC.
A major health issue, obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, two major risk factors for heart disease.
So, to help stress the importance of prioritizing your heart health at an early age, STHS Heart is joining forces with the Boys & Girls Club of Mission and the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco to inspire Valley children to lead heart healthy lives through a series of educational events at their facilities.
Taking place on Friday, February 7 at the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco and Thursday, February 13 at the Boys & Girls Club of Mission, the special seminars will highlight the dangers of heart disease and important advice on preventing cardiovascular issues. Open to the public, each seminar will include a healthy cooking demonstration.
“Childhood presents an excellent opportunity to educate children. By teaching them the importance of healthy eating and exercise at an early age, their risk of developing illnesses that can contribute to heart disease, like obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, decreases,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “These interactive sessions will allow children to learn directly from experts about the significance healthy habits, like eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly, hold in leading a heart healthy lifestyle. The goal is to have children take these lessons home and implement them with their parents, siblings and other relatives, thus, increasing the awareness of the importance of maintaining good heart health.”
To announce the educational events, STHS Heart hosted a special community press conference at the Boys & Girls Club of Mission on Wednesday, January 22. Joining STHS Heart leaders was this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K ambassador Rick Venecia, the director of the Boys & Girls Club of Mission who suffered a heart attack at the age of 44 in 2019 and was diagnosed a year later with congestive heart failure.
“I’m living proof that heart complications can affect anyone, regardless of their age or socioeconomic status,” says Venecia. “I feel it’s my responsibility as a heart attack survivor and youth advocate to help educate children and their families about the dangers of heart disease. And I’m honored to be serving as this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K ambassador to encourage everyone, young and old, to take charge of their heart health. Kudos to STHS Heart for not only donating proceeds from this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K to support our clubs’ own health and wellness programs, but for hosting educational events at our locations to promote heart healthy living to our children, their parents and the entire community. Together, we can help lower the risk of heart disease and its life-threatening effects in the Rio Grande Valley.”
If you’re interested in attending one of the educational seminars in Weslaco or Mission, please call the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 388-2033 or email STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
If you’d like to participate in this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K on Saturday, February 22 at STHS Heart, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Mission and the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco, visit www.sthsactive.com for more information and to register.
