Heart Health Event Arms Residents with Knowledge to Fight Heart Disease

Here’s a morbid fact: the number one cause of death in the United States is heart disease. In response, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute celebrates American Heart Month each February by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease.

Del Rio residents had the chance to participate in this nation-wide call-to-action on Saturday by attending a free Heart Health Awareness event where cardiology specialists, physical therapists, and even chefs from Val Verde Regional Medical Center offered insights on how to improve the health of your heart.

Jorge Jurado, VVRMC CEO, explains their commitment to the community, "The best defense to any type of disease…is awareness. Our commitment is to get out to the community centers, to different areas in Del Rio and Val Verde County and really promote that. That’s part of being a medical center; the education."

Several speakers and medical professionals promoted a heart-conscious lifestyle through interactive and fun demonstrations throughout the 2-hour event. 

During one session, attendees played a version of the game ‘hot potato’ with a heart-shaped plush doll, bumping music, and one caveat: players had to get up and dance a few seconds when the plush reached their hands. The impromptu dance party sparked laughter and cheers from the crowd until the music stopped on a winner (rather than a loser) who went home with a gift bag, the heart-shaped plush, and the knowledge that moving more can be fun. 

Additional demos from VVRMC’s physical rehabilitation team and chefs taught attendees how to incorporate more serious exercise and dietary habits into one’s wellness repertoire. All together, the seminar-style event provided a well-rounded educational experience for the public.

The site of this event, the Val Verde County Community Center, is located at 1690 Cienegas Road and regularly hosts free access to services and other needs, like food, for residents. Also at this location is a newly renovated park, playground, and jogging track. Val Verde County Commissioner Gustavo Flores works closely with non-profit organizations to bring events, like VVRMC’s, to the community center. "I take a lot of pride and joy in building this community center, and the park, and bringing this to the people. To the families," Flores expresses. 

To learn more about their free services, call (830) 768-1054 or visit valverdecounty.texas.gov/161/Community-Center.