[Eds. note: This is the first in a series of occasional articles written by Alex Weiss of the Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach where she will share relevant local volunteer opportunities with Long Beach Post readers.]
Imagine being nine years old in the middle of a conversation with your favorite grandma when she reaches out to you, gasping “Help,” then succumbs to a premature death due to heart failure. Watching my grandmother die in front of me is a memory I will never forget and that memory has shaped my life.
Heart disease took my grandma from me. The disease has hindered my mom from fully enjoying her life and will most likely affect my health in the future. That is, unless a change is made. February is National Heart Month, and as Volunteer Manager for the Volunteer Center of South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, I just want to share a few statistics on heart disease to further emphasize the importance of volunteers and giving back in the fight against heart disease.
- Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually.
- Someone dies every thirty seconds from heart disease or stroke. It is said that by 2020, heart disease will be the leading cause of death throughout the world.
- An estimated 80 million Americans have one or more types of heart disease.
Putting these statistics into context, there isn’t a doubt that you have been affected by heart disease through a family member, friend, colleague or yourself. The only way to counteract the growth of this disease is by raising awareness, increasing research and spreadin the word of prevention. Now is the perfect time to find a way to raise that awareness, show support and give back to the community.
Below is a list of events and ways to help in the Long Beach area:
- Wear red to support heart health
- Start a conversation with coworkers, peers or family about heart health
- Be an advocate for heart disease
- Volunteer your time with the local American Heart Association
- Volunteer at the Red Heels Walk brought to you by Community Action Team on February 16
- Volunteer time or donate to Memorial Care Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hospital
*Heart Healthy Dinner – February 20
*Women’s Heart and Stroke Seminar – February 23
*Heart to Heart Health Fair – February 26
For more information on these volunteer opportunities, as well as other opportunities in the Long Beach area, please call Alexandra Weiss at The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach at (562) 590-8844 ext 23.