Holzer Hosts Blessing of the Heart Event

Photo is of Dr. Bradley, Holzer Cardiovascular Institute, as he shares the Blessing of the Heart, as Dr. Stout, CMO, Holzer Health System, looks on. Both individuals participated in the recent Holzer’s Blessing of the Heart event in recognition of American Heart Month.

Holzer recently held a Blessing of the Heart Event to kick off American Heart Month.  During the ceremony, Rodney Stout, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Holzer Health System, read a proclamation in observance of American Heart Month. The proclamation is as follows:

Whereas, all Holzer facilities recognize the month of February as American Heart Month and February 2 as “Go Red for Women Day®” and do hereby celebrate this extraordinary women’s event to encourage all citizens to wear red to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease; and

Whereas, heart disease causes more deaths in American of both genders and all racial and ethnic than any other disease; and

Whereas, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death in the United States and greatly increases disability among Americans and claims the lives of close to half a million women in our country; and

Whereas, The American Heart Association projects the cost of treating heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030; and

Whereas, we encourage all individuals to learn his/her own personal risk for heart disease and work with a primary caregiver to manage heart disease risks factors and prevention tips;

Whereas, The American Heart Association and Holzer Health System are committed to public and professional education about the risk factors for heart disease and stroke and to take action to reduce, control or prevent as many risk factors as possible;

Therefore, be it resolved that in recognition of the ongoing fight against heart disease we do herby proclaim February as American Heart Month at all Holzer facilities and urge all employees to show their support for the fight against heart disease by commemorating this by wearing the color red.

In addition, Holzer Chaplaincy Services and Holzer Cardiovascular Institute penned a Blessing of the Heart for healthcare professionals, which was shared by Robert Bradley, DO, Section Chief, Holzer Cardiovascular Institute, at the event. The Blessing stated, “We thank You, oh God, our Creator and Sustainer, for the wonderful, yet mysterious hearts you have placed within us that give us life and feelings. We celebrate and thank you for the advances in Cardiac Care and for those who use that ever growing knowledge to save and extend human lives, often the lives of our loved ones. Bless each healthcare professional for their work, and bless those struggling with heart health with renewed strength, for You are the strength of our hearts. As we improve the care of our bodies, teach us to use life to keep our hearts with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life, health and happiness. AMEN.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 600,000 Americans die of heart disease each year. Several steps can be taken to reduce your risk for heart disease, including: quitting smoking/not smoking, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and prevent or treat your other health conditions especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

“We are excited to offer this type of event to help educate and bring awareness of American Heart Month,” shared Lori Cremeans, RN, MSN, CRRN, CWOCN, Director, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services, Holzer Health System. “Sharing the Blessing of the Heart was a unique way to recognize all health professionals during this special month.”

The Holzer Cardiovascular Institute has assembled a staff of the region’s most qualified team of cardiac physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff. Using the most technologically advanced cardiac equipment and procedures, The Holzer Cardiovascular Institute is devoted to delivering you the very best in cardiac care.  Through inpatient and outpatient treatments including medical management, cardiac catheterizations, surgical treatment, we offer diagnostic cardiac catheterizations as well as cardiac angioplasties/stents. Our physicians manage a variety of heart and vascular conditions including:

• Coronary Artery Disease or hardening of the arteries
• Cardiac Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat
• Heart Valve Disease
• Heart conditions associated with diabetes
• Lung diseases
• Vein and vascular disease
• Carotid Disease

Holzer Cardiovascular Institute services include:

• Cardiopulmonary Testing
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Electrophysiology or Heart Rhythm Management
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD, PVD)
• Vein Center
• Cardio/Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Services

For more information, visit www.holzer.org.