The American Heart Association presence is back in a major way in the Brazos Valley. The Go Red for Heart Luncheon yesterday is one certain sign of just that fact. The College Station Hilton could barely hold all of the attendees who looked forward to hearing from very special invited guests, including former First Lady, Barbara Bush, enjoying a delightful meal, courtesy of the Texas Beef Council, and exploring some very unique silent auction items--purses decorated by talented individuals and dynamic duos who lent their creative talents to American Heart. Thanks to Macy's, everyone who dived into the goodie bags found outstanding $10 off coupons and all throughout the month of February, anyone making a purchase in Macy's--who wears red--is eligible for a 20% discount on their total purchase (some departments, e.g., cosmetics, are excluded). Both Macy's and Merck are national sponsors of the Go Red event for the American Heart Association. In tough economic times, these national sponsors are even more prized than ever.
A few public speaker system ups and downs didn't face the day's emcee, Mary Mike Hatcher, a veteran of Heart luncheons; nor did they impact Sr. Gretchen Kunz, forever the favorite choice to offer thanks for the day's meal and gathered friends. The message was loud and clear throughout the day that women are in charge of their own health and must make themselves and their heart health a major priority in their lives.
Central Texas Heart cardiologist, Dr. Jean Mays spoke to those assembled about the importance of knowing and recognizing the risk factors for heart disease. These include: high blood pressure, cholesterol numbers, diabetes (especially the need for catching this early in overweight children, encouraging exercise and watching what they eat), smoking, and family history.
Many people have good annual checkups but often ignore simple warning signs, such as shortness of breath, and a general fatigued feeling, just plain tired, with all the get-up-and-go gone. Eating healthy is always a step in the right direction, but it's up to intelligent women to take charge of their health, today, and get moving towards a healthier you.
No one is going to tell you that you're hurting yourself, but if you think that heart disease happens to 'other people,' that's an incorrect assumption. Take charge, help others to join you in a new program of diet and exercise today. Go Red for Women is more than a catchy slogan for a luncheon. It's a way of life, for a lifetime.
Mrs. Barbara Bush Receives Multiple Standing Ovations for Her Beautiful Words from the Heart
It's not every day that you're able to bring to your home town one of the most gracious, elegant role models whom women and men alike respect, so congratulations to the American Heart Go Red for Women committee, for their work to share Mrs. Bush's message with over 700 women gathered, February 2, 2010.
The wife of a career public servant, who became U.S. President #41, and the mother of two state governors, one of whom became U.S. President #43, is certainly a full-time job. Add to that her own public service as First Lady of the United States and champion for adult literacy as well as public philanthropist to the mix, and that's one very busy Barbara Pierce Bush.
Her signature sense of humor, as much a recognizable trait as her signature countenance and classic strands of pearls, Mrs. Bush is one of the most effective and entertaining speakers to grace the Brazos Valley in a lifetime.
Mrs. Bush's encouragement to each lunch patron to maintain faith, family, and friends as priorities, to smile whenever possible, to treat our spouses and loved ones as well as we treat our friends, is inspirational and lasting.
Her mandate to each of us: Get active in your community. Find your own niche. And take care of your health.
The message shared by all speakers for the day: Heroes are everyday people who serve to help others with a passion.
Excitement is already building for next year's luncheon. To become involved, contact Melissa Liddicoat, Corporate Market Director, at (979) 268-0068 today.
