Marry Perry

Why do you feel strongly about promoting women’s heart health?

“My dad was diagnosed with heart disease at 58. He was in great shape; he did not have any of the risk factors: he did not smoke nor was he overweight. Fortunately, we were able to catch it early and he lived for another 22 years. Since then, this has become an important issue for me.”

What have you done to help make others aware?

“As a nurse my job is taking care of others. I am constantly questioning friends and family and making them aware of the issues. The fact is, if heart disease is in your family, you need to take extra care and be aware.”

How has your awareness of this issue impacted the way you live?

“The best teacher is a self teacher, you cannot just preach to others you need to also be an example for others. I get tested every year and take care of myself by eating right and exercising. Even though my mom is a size 2 and in good shape, I encourage her to eat well and exercise by doing the same. Being armed with information is the best way to understand how to fight heart disease. Information is power, and by making a few lifestyle heart healthy behavioral changes you can add years to your life.

Why would you encourage women to attend the health fair?

“The February 16th event is a great learning environment well worth EVERY woman’s time. Information is power and by making a few changes and being aware, you can save your life and/or the life of someone you love. I am personally thankful that Sister to Sister recognizes that women do have a heart and are taking the issue of heart disease seriously. Not only are they offering free health screenings to women, but information on how to live a heart healthy life.”

Loree Elswick

Why did you get involved with Sister to Sister’s Woman’s Heart Day?

“Sister to Sister Woman’s Heart Day is a great example of women taking care of themselves and other women. So many times women are taking care of everyone else in their lives and in turn forget about themselves. Sister to Sister is different. It is women taking care of women.

Unfortunately, heart disease seems to gain a lot of attention for men, but not for women. I felt it was an important issue that deserves significant attention. Being a part of the Sister to Sister community council allows me to spread the word on heart disease in women.”

Has heart disease affected you or your family personally

“Heart disease is the number one killer in my family. I grew up dealing with this – my grandparents on both sides – grandmothers & grandfathers – were all afflicted with heart disease.

What have you learned about heart disease that you would like to share with other women?

“If you know about heart disease early, you can make a difference and change your life for the better – you can add years to your life by making some minor changes in the way you live.”

Have you made changes in your lifestyle to prevent heart disease?

“Since heart disease runs in my family, I get tested every year. Exercise has become a major priority in my life. I work out, cycle and walk my dogs, not because I have extra free time, but because it is important for my future health; I am 34 years old and the decisions I make today will affect my tomorrow.

What are you most excited about at this years Woman’s Heart Day Health Fair?

“I love the cooking demonstrations. Healthy eating is an important part of preventing heat disease. The cooking demonstrations have taught me that it does not take a lot of time or effort to cook a healthy meal. We all know it is easy to pick up take out or go through the drive through, but with minimal extra effort you can prepare a healthy meal or, at the very least, make better decisions when you do order take out.”