Date: 09/14/2006

Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited has once again teamed up with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados Inc. to stage a series of events in observation of International Heart and Stroke Week. This Sunday, September 17th, Barbados will see the launch of activities with a Church service at St. Matthias Church in Christ Church.

One of the main events to highlight the 2006 world theme, ‘How Young Is Your Heart’, was an Essay and Poster Competition for primary school students. Targeting young people is of extreme importance for the Foundation since it gives them the opportunity to focus, at an early age, on good living and nutritional habits. There are over $4000 in prizes to be won by the students and the successful schools. Winners will be announced at the annual Public Lecture Awards Ceremony at Harrison College on Thursday 21st September. Guest speaker will be Dr. Colin Alert. The lecture begins at 6.00 p.m.

An Open Day at the Heart & Stroke Foundation in St. Michael is scheduled for Tuesday 19th . Visitors will see “The Gym with a Difference” and learn more about CPR and First Aid Training Courses offered by the Foundation. These include a Heartsaver Paediatric First Aid course aimed at parents or anyone working with children and a Heartsaver First Aid course which focuses on work place accidents. All courses are internationally recognised and taught through the American Heart Association. Certification is valid for two years.

“The Gym with a Difference” promotes healthy living and is part of the Foundation’s Cardiovascular Disease prevention and Rehabilitation (CDP&R) programme. It is aimed at persons who have or have had angina, angioplasty, heart surgery, a heart attack, heart failure or stroke or for those who simply want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

All of these activities are in support of World Heart Day, celebrated on 24th September. Activities worldwide on the day include health checks, fitness sessions, public talks, scientific forums, exhibitions and sports tournaments.

This is the second year of a three year partnership between Guardian Life and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados to promote the message of World Heart Day. The aim is to increase public awareness of the threat of heart disease and stroke and the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle.


Submitted by:
Nisha Ramkissoon, Corporate Communications Department.
Nisha.Ramkissoon@gloc.biz; 1 868 632 5433 x 2058

For further information:
Winfield King
Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited
Enfield House, Collymore Rock, St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 430-4637
(246) 429-7206

Adrian Randall
CEO
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados
Tel: (246) 437-3312
Fax: (246) 430-9898
www.hfob.org