CENTRAL COAST — The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA) will celebrate its annual National Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 2nd. On this day, many companies across the country will join the AHA’s efforts to raise awareness of eating healthy to avoid cardiovascular diseases and stroke, as heart disease is the number one health risk for Americans. Locally, Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals, which include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center, and Marian Regional Medical Center, will be among several organizations to host National Eating Healthy Day events in their café’s for their staff and the community from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
During National Eating Healthy Day, hospital events will include heart-healthy menus, giveaway opportunities, and tools and resources for leading heart-healthy lives. Participants can also sign a pledge to start eating healthy and in doing so, take the first step in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
“National Eating Healthy Day is a creative way to help bring attention to improving the health of our employees, patients, and the community,” says Alan Iftiniuk, President & CEO, French Hospital Medical Center. “We remain committed to the fight against heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases through events such as these, awareness, and education.”
“As long time advocates of healthy eating, we have participated in National Eating Healthy Day for years, and continue to do so for the health and education of our employees, physicians, volunteers and community,” says Kerin Mase, President & CEO, Marian Regional Medical Center. “These events bring awareness to improved heart health and we are proud to partner with AHA to enhance the health of our communities.”
Dignity Health Central Coast promotes healthy communities by encouraging health through fitness and education. French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo was the first hospital in California to be certified by the AHA with an official walking trail and outdoor fitness zone, which features 11 exercise stations suitable for all fitness levels. In addition, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria also offers two optional walking trails for staff, patients and guests.
Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals are proud sponsors of a first-of-its kind, multi-year, Life is Why community initiative to help Central Coast residents make an emotional connection to their motivation to stay healthy and improve their heart health.
For more information about National Healthy Eating Day, visit: www.heart.org.
About the American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating, and defeating these diseases. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional programs, and advocate for protecting public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org
Dignity Health Central Coast: Dignity Health of the Central Coast is recognized for the highest quality hospitals, physicians from the top medical schools, and services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced laboratories and imaging centers, and a comprehensive home health service; all recognized for quality, safety and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic foundation to support new programs and services on the Central Coast.
Located in Arroyo Grande, California, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is a comprehensive acute care hospital and is home to the Joint Replacement Center awarded distinctions by Blue Shield and is the exclusive provider of joint replacement care for CalPERS on the Central Coast. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, French Hospital Medical Center is recognized as a Top 50 cardiac hospital in the country by Thomson Reuters. Located in Santa Maria, California, Marian Regional Medical Center is rated among the top 10% in the nation for cardiac care and its cancer program is distinguished as the only comprehensive community cancer center on the Central Coast. Visit dignityhealth.org/central-coast/