The Tribune

HEART disease remains the major cause of death in the Bahamas and death around the world.

Twenty-five per cent of all deaths in the Bahamas were directly related to heart disease, according to the Department of Statistics in 2009.

This month is celebrated annually as Heart Month and local organisations are doing their bit to promote heart health among Bahamians.

The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation and The Bahamas Heart Association want Bahamians involved, to help to save a life and to create awareness of heart disease.

The Bahamas Heart Association, The Heart Foundation, with the aid of the Heart Ball Committee and sponsors, have jointly scheduled several events during heart month to create awareness of heart disease, to help persons live heart healthy lifestyles and to help raise funds to repair children’s hearts.

Thelma Johnson, President of the Bahamas Heart Association, said: “February is Heart Month. It is a time to embrace love and life. It’s a time to take care of matters of the heart. We want to encourage the public to help us repair the hearts of children. We also want to encourage the public to learn how to live heart healthy and protect their hearts. Heart disease does not discriminate; so we must all take a proactive approach to heart care through education and funding”.

Ingrid Sears, public relations officer for the Heart Ball Committee, said: “I want to encourage the public to support Heart Month and The Heart Foundation. The year 2014 marks the 50th Anniversary of The Annual Heart Ball. This year’s ball promises to be an evening filled with glitz, glamour and fun. It’s an opportunity to get dressed-up, look your best, enjoy an evening out, wins lots of prizes and know that your money is given to a most worthy cause. We encourage you to join us as we celebrate the golden anniversary of a vision and champion the cause of children”.

The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation is a non-profit entity, established in 1961 by Evelyn, Lady Sassoon, that helps to repair the hearts of children in The Bahamas. The Heart Ball Committee is the fundraising arm of The Heart Foundation; it consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who help to raise funds to repair children’s hearts. The Heart Ball Committee has hosted the Annual Heart Ball from 1965, as the main fundraiser to aid the Heart Foundation. To date, over 4,000 people have benefited from the generosity of The Heart Foundation.

The foundation works along with The Bahamas Heart Association to educate and inform the public about living heart healthy lifestyles. The Bahamas Heart Association is made up of volunteers who provide their time and services with the following goals: to assist children in need, in our community with the cost of heart investigations and surgery and to advise the public through the media of all aspects of heart disease, risk factors and preventative care. Speakers and educational material are available to schools, youth groups, service clubs and other public meetings.

To further assist The Heart Foundation, the public can also make donations. Additionally, the public can join The Bahamas Heart Association, and buy “Go Red” and “Heart” Foundation pins. Finally, members of the public can support sponsored events such as The Salus Art Project, and the Fun Run Walk. Proceeds from such events benefit the Foundation.

Events for

Heart Month

February 8: Public Awareness & CPR Classes at SC McPherson School from 10am to 2pm.

February 8: Fit and Fun Event NPCC, 10am to noon.
February 13: Salus Art Project – Pulse at the Ladder Gallery, NPCC @ 7pm

February 14: Heart Month launch at Cable Bahamas. Free

February 15: The 50th Annual Heart Ball

February 20: Doctor’s Hospital Lecture at 6pm, with blood pressure checks from 5pm. Free

February 21: Go Red Day. Entire Bahamas to dress in red and buy a pin!

February 27: The Annual Health Fair at Town Centre Mall from 10am - 4pm. Free

March 1: The Annual Fun/Run Walk
For more information contact The Heart Foundation at 327 0806.