PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The staff at Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital celebrated Heart Health Awareness Month yesterday with educational activities that were open to the public and hospital employees.
On Friday, employees from A.R. Gould and Aroostook County Action Program’s Let’s Go and the USDA’s SNAP-Ed Connection offered free blood pressure and body mass index screenings. Educational booths focused on heart-healthy lifestyle choices, such as lowering sodium and sugar intake and physical activity.
Dawn Roberts, A.R. Gould community health specialist, noted that in past years the heart health events were employee activities. But this year she and hospital staff decided to open the activities to the community as a way of broadening peoples’ awareness of heart health.
“Eighty percent of heart-related medical issues can potentially be avoided through smart diet and exercise choices,” Roberts said. “Throughout the month we’ve been getting the word out on what health resources are available in our community.”
Anna Robbins, food service associate at A.R. Gould Hospital, was one of many people who came to the hospital’s conference center to check out the informational booths.
“It’s a great way to promote healthy lifestyles,” Robbins said.
