Chip’N Away at Heart Disease brings awareness to high blood pressure

The Chip’N Away at Heart Disease foundation is hosting a free health screening for blood pressure awareness on May 21. The screening event is free and open to the public as part of the non-profit organization’s goal to provide healthcare education and address the needs of the targeted communities affected by this cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure). Co-founder Cynthia Malone said this was something her late husband, Narleski “Chip” Malone, wanted to do.

“High blood pressure is under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease,” said Cynthia. “This disease was just as important to my husband as heart disease because in a way, high blood pressure is where it begins. The statistics from the American Heart Association show that high blood pressure puts 70 million Americans at risk for heart disease and stroke. It is also known as the “silent killer” because there are no symptoms and is ranked the fifth leading cause of death in America.”

On May 21 everyone is invited to come out to Warner Robins High School to participate in the event “What’s Your 120/80?” from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cynthia said it is to take place in the gym lobby. Participants will have their blood pressure readings done by qualified nursing assistants.

“After the participants have their readings done, then they will be educated, consulted and referred to local clinics and physicians,” said Cynthia. “We will also have fitness trainers from the Fit and Firm Center to collaborate meal and exercise plans, and to get participants started in the right direction we will be giving them a bag full of heart healthy food such as fruits and vegetables. The bags are limited, so it will be a first come first serve basis after they have their blood pressure taken.”

Cynthia said cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure do not discriminate. She said it doesn’t care what gender you are, your age, or you socio-economic state.

“This is real. You have to be active,” said Cynthia. “My husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure after his heart transplant. So you have to stay on top of it by eating healthy and exercising. He would always say yes, February is the National Heart Awareness Month, but cardiovascular health is important every day. He would refer our bodies to a car. You know you have to put fuel in it just about every day. You have to change the oil, and keep pressure in the tires. If you don’t do those things, your car will not run. Well, same with our bodies. If we don’t keep it fueled properly, it will not last.”

Cynthia said more events for Chip’N Away at Heart Disease are in the making along with fundraisers. After the blood pressure awareness event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., physical trainer/Zumba instructor Janice Shephard will be hosting a Zumba charity fitness party. All funds raised will be donated to the foundation.

“All the money raised for Chip’N Away at Heart Disease, and donations received are spent locally,” said Cynthia. “We are a local Houston County 501c3 organization. When you donate to us your money is being used to educate the community, bring awareness, continuing the fight against these awful disease, and also we offer scholarships to our future, the students. Myself, and the executive committee are grateful for all the support and donations given by this community, and for places like Warner Robins High School who allow us to host these events.”

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