Spirit of the Heart Tour Brings Community Forums and Free Heart Health Screenings to Texas

HOUSTON, Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  The Association of Black Cardiologists and the American College of Cardiology announced today a special three-city tour in Texas called – Spirit of the Heart – promoting heart disease prevention and treatment in Houston, Dallas and Austin. The state campaign will launch in Houston September 28 – 30, 2012. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120927/PH81707 )

"This is a call to action for men and women of all ages, ethnic groups and economic backgrounds to get off the sidelines and take an active role in having a healthy heart," stated Ola Akinboboye, MD, President, Association of Black Cardiologists. "The Spirit of the Heart program is free and you can give the gift of the heart by bringing a loved one with you to get checked out as well."

"We have come a long way in treating heart disease, but it is much better to work directly with people in the community to prevent it," said William Zoghbi, MD, FACC, President of the American College of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Institute at the Methodist Hospital in Houston. "The Spirit of the Heart tour brings screening tools and practical health information to communities where people can use them to help each other live healthier lives." 

On Friday night, Spirit of Heart weekend begins with a public community leader's forum featuring top Texas doctors, public health officials and civic leaders discussing the prevention and treatment of heart disease. On Saturday, which is also World Heart Day, the community is invited to free health screenings at a local mall providing participants with free heart disease risk assessment that includes: high blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, waist circumference, lung health function and bone density. Complimentary mini work-outs will be provided by Fitness from Home Wellness Coach, Tamara Kellman along with a meet and greet with Darrell Green, Founder and President of WalkFitHealthNation, Inc, former Washington Redskins and Pro Football Hall of Famer.  Participants will also receive follow-up counseling and consultations with healthcare professionals will also be available for all participants. On Sunday, members of the Association of Black Cardiologists and the American College of Cardiology will make appearances at local churches throughout the state promoting the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

SPIRIT OF THE HEART- HOUSTON
Friday, September 28, 2012
Community Leaders Forum
Location: The Westin Galleria Houston
Time:  6:00 pm
RSVP: http://houstoncommunityleadersforum.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, September 29, 2012 (World Heart Day)
Free Health Screenings
Location: Greenpoint Mall, 12300 North Freeway
Time: Noon

SPIRIT OF THE HEART – DALLAS
Friday, October 5, 2012
Community Leaders Forum
Location: Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Time:  6:00 pm 
RSVP: http://dallascommunityleadersforum.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, October 6, 2012
Location: Southwest Center Mall, 3662 West Camp Wisdom Road
Time: Noon   

SPIRIT OF THE HEART – AUSTIN
Friday, October 12, 2012
Community Leaders Forum
Location:  George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Time:  6:00 pm
RSVP: http://austincommunityleadersforum.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, October 13, 2012
Location: Huston-Tillotson University, Davage-Durden Student Union, 900 Chicon Street
Time: Noon

"Through the Spirit of the Heart Weekend, we are able to reach many Texas residents, but especially people of color who often don't have the resources to get regular check-ups," Dorris Ellis, Co-Chair of the Spirit of the Heart Texas Houston Planning Committee. "Through local civic, health and community leaders, churches and religious institutions, we will send a clear, strong message about the importance of prevention and treatment of heart disease."

For more information on Spirit of the Heart Texas log onto www.abcardio.org.

Candace Sandy
[email protected] 
646-298-5506

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. and American College of Cardiology