Joint Base Andrews, Md. –
February is Heart Awareness month - a time to draw attention to the prevention of heart disease and promote the activities designed to combat it. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in every four people dies of heart disease each year.
In an attempt to bring awareness to the Joint Base Andrews population, the 779th Medical Group coordinated with the West Fitness Center to provide weekly fitness events in February. The first event on Feb. 3, 2016, was a kickboxing class that included giveaways, information and answered questions posed by the attendees.
LaDonna Walters, 779th MDG Internal Medicine disease management nurse, coordinated the events. As a registered nurse for almost 19 years, she counsels patients on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
When asked how she felt about the success of the first event, Walters said, "I was pleased with the turnout of participants in our kickboxing class and appreciated the ability to bring awareness to the base community about cardiovascular disease. "
The class was taught by Greg Williams, a U.S. Army veteran and a certified personal fitness trainer with more than 20 years of experience. It was one of four events designed to promote heart awareness.
Tech. Sgt. JayCheree Edwards of the 113th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a traffic management specialist, participated in the event and was interested in learning about the other events planned for the month.
"I enjoyed the workout and the motivation that was provided to us by the instructor," Edwards said.
For her, being aware of various ways to prevent heart disease is important.
"My grandmother had hypertension her entire life and ultimately passed from heart ailments."
According to Williams, if you frequently skip out on vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, fiber-rich whole grains and lean meats, including fish, your body is missing the basic building blocks for a healthy life.
Williams provided tips for becoming heart healthy: "Get active, eat better, lose weight, control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, get plenty of sleep and manage stress."
If getting fit is overwhelming, Williams recommends finding a qualified fitness professional and/or a nutritionist to assist you with reaching your fitness goals.
There are other events planned for each week of February.
National Wear Red Day: Feb 5, 2016
Walk for Fitness: Feb 11, 2016 at the West Fitness Center from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Indoor Track)
Fitness Center Equipment Demonstration: Feb 25 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (Tactical Fitness Area)
Questions about disease management may be referred to your Primary Care Manager.