Heart health is priority for ATSU and NRMC
Posted: February 20, 2009
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (2-18-09) – In recent years, A.T. Still University (ATSU) and Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) have partnered in several initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of a heart healthy lifestyle. This week, ATSU and NRMC have partnered again in celebration of American Heart Month and are hosting a Wear Red Day/Healthy Heart Fitness Fair for the community on February 20 at ATSU’s Centennial Commons from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this free event.
The Healthy Heart Fitness Fair is bringing together several local venues to one place: the YMCA, Thompson Campus Center, Northeast Regional Health and Fitness Center, Preferred Family Healthcare, Kirksville Aquatic Center, Truman State University, American Heart Association, and others. These organizations will be stationed in the Commons with fitness equipment and educational materials to give attendees the latest tools in achieving a heart healthy lifestyle. Attendees will have an opportunity to take part in free wellness screenings and will also have a chance to win several prize drawings.
In addition, Dan Martin, M.A., Thompson Campus Center director and American Heart Association spokesman, will make a healthy heart presentation at noon. A heart healthy lunch will be served by Hy-Vee, with a portion of the cost benefiting the American Heart Association and Kirksville’s second annual Rhapsody in Red Heart Gala. Coffee and hot chocolate will also be available for purchase from Washington Street Java Co.
“We are excited to join with NRMC and several local vendors to provide this wellness opportunity for the community and our employees,” said ATSU Human Resources Director Donna Brown, M.B.A. “It’s vital that we all work together to raise awareness of this important issue.”
To help raise funds for research and education and pass along information about heart disease and stroke, attendees can visit the American Heart Association (AHA) booth at the Fair, pick up valuable literature, and donate $5 and fill out a tribute card for someone they know who’s experienced a heart event.
While heart awareness has always been a concern for ATSU and NRMC, both institutions have recently made strides to increase awareness. NRMC held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its Cardiac Catheterization Lab on February 10 which provides diagnostic services. In November 2008, ATSU and NRMC partnered with the AHA to host Kirksville’s inaugural Rhapsody in Red Heart Gala, a red tie benefit to raise money for AHA research on heart disease. This year, ATSU and NRMC will host its second annual Heart Gala. The event is scheduled for November 7 at Truman State University.