The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

TO make sure all Bahamians start as early as possible to take proactive steps towards stopping the “silent killer” that is heart disease, the Bahamas Heart Association is targeting the nation’s youth with its awareness campaign.

“We go to schools and we talk to the children about how big their heart is and we also tell them about eating habits,” said Thelma Johnson, president of the Bahamas Heart Association.

“We have a lot of kids who eat a lot of fatty foods. We think if we start with the little children and teach them, they would tell their parents what they learn. So we want to start young in terms of teaching our children.”

Children, as well as women, were also the focus of last Friday’s 18th annual health fair hosted by the Bahamas Heart Association.

Health conscious Bahamians came together at St Joseph’s parish hall to not only take advantage of free screenings, but to be educated on heart disease.

The event was hosted at the close of Heart Month to educate the public and create awareness about general health, and specifically heart health. It was held at St Joseph’s Parish.

The health fair provided an opportunity for people to get tested for cholesterol, glucose level, HIV etcetera. It was also an opportunity to meet pharmaceutical distributors, obtain information about heart related diseases and learn about alternative care and treatments.

With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death in the Bahamas and worldwide, Ms Johnson told Tribune Health that they will continue to do all they can to educate people and create awareness.

“We at the Bahamas Heart Association want to educate people about heart disease and preventative care,” she said.

According to statistics released by the association based on data compiled from more than 190 countries, heart disease remains the number one global cause of death.

The “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2015 Update: A Report From the American Health Association” states that 17.3 million each year die from condition.

It further reported that the number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

“This year we are placing emphasis on our women and children. As you know, heart disease is the number one killer of women,” Ms Johnson said. “Heart disease is a silent killer and you don’t feel it until it is really affecting you.”

Since its inception, the fair has received positive responses from members of the general public who are keen on taking a proactive approach to health related matters.

“People come from all around and we give them information. We give them screenings and they also have their pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked. And of course if there are any problems we refer them to the hospital right away to make sure they further their treatments,” Ms Johnson said.

She said the association’s goal going forward is to keep educating all Bahamians, starting with children.

“The association is also seeking donations and assistance from anyone who is willing,” she said.

“The Heart Foundation and the Association have helped so many people over the years. We have never turned anyone away, so we want to encourage those persons who have received help from us to come and give back. Over the years we have assisted over 4,000 people. What if those 4,000 people we helped came and gave a dollar back? That money would be able to help another child who needs our assistance. Right now we have 11 children that require surgery and their cases are severe so they have to be done in Florida.”

For persons interested in joining the association, monthly meetings are held at Doctors Hospital on the last Wednesday of every month at 6pm.