If you are like most people, you think heart disease is a problem for others. However, according to the United States Library of Medicine, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S.

I know most people fear the big “C” word, cancer, and rightly so. Yet, may I share that the big “H” word should be just as frightening or more. Being that heart diseases and heart attacks kill more women, men and children than all cancers combined, especially women.

With obesity and diabetes on the rise in this country, women, it’s time for us to take notice — one in every three people die from this disease.

Of course, on the heels of this information and the overwhelming grief I’ve experienced because of this disease, my new passion is to perhaps shield others from the heartache of losing loved ones much too soon like I have.

Sadly, my mom passed of a heart attack at the early age of 67, my two sisters at the early age of 47 and 64 years of age. I sit here with fresh tears on the surface because just months ago, I lost my beloved niece to a heart attack. She was only 50.

Wow! Now you can possibly understand why I answer, Lord if you just need somebody here am I, send me and I’ll go, I’ll go.

This being February, the National Go Red heart health month, God has tugged at my heart to organize this great Go Red Heart Health Awareness Walk.

Certainly, we are excited about you joining Women of Divine Determination’s first annual Go Red Heart Health Walk.

This fantastic health-wise, fun-filled day will be Saturday. Kick-off starts at 9:30 a.m. in front of the downtown post office sidewalk and proceeds to the gazebo on the bluff.

There you’ll enjoy a short but uplifting ceremony featuring Alderman Tony Fields, Kathleen Washing Dunbar and other local talent.

We are deeply touched by the outpouring of support AMR ambulance service will provide for you, including information on how to utilize every second in case of a heart attack. An AMR truck will be on location, and representatives will also demonstrate come CPR technique. This you don’t want to miss!

Join us in applauding the Jefferson County Comprehensive Health Clinic for so graciously agreeing to come out and check blood pressure and address some other heart issues.

Boys and girls sniff, sniff. Can’t you smell the excitement in the air? Yes, that’s it. Your beloved and faithful fire department will be there, and I heard a little whisper — you get to wear the hard hat and tour the truck. Gee! I am excited for you.

Grateful! Grateful!, is the praise going out to your local Walmart and Natchez Market for the delicious grill burgers, drinks and hot dogs you enjoy.

In closing, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, if you want to know about that pain running through you big toe, if you want to know about four simple steps that could save your life, if you want to know what vegetable oil can do to your heart or about taking blood pressure medicine at night can cause two-thirds fewer cardiac vascular event, well for more info, you just have to come check it out.

If you don’t desire to walk or are unable to walk, just come and sit out and enjoy the day with us.

For more information, contact Deloris Anderson at 601-431-0990 or Twana Sewell at 601-431-2030.

 

Deloris Anderson

Women of Divine Determination