By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — With heart disease as the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, February is known nationally as American Heart Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention.

St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom went a step further at the Jan. 27 Parish Council meeting when she proclaimed February Heart Health Awareness Month in St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Protecting our families from heart disease requires each of us to take responsibility for our own health and that of our children,” she said.

Robottom said St. John Parish residents and employees are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of heart disease — which kills an estimated 700,000 Americans each year — and heart attack symptoms by visiting the American Heart Association’s website at heart.org.

“Awareness and education of heart disease are vital to prevention and early detection,” Robottom said.

“We want to encourage and remind our employees and residents during this month to take the necessary steps to avert this dangerous disease.”

According to the American Heart Association, choosing a healthy eating plan, being physically active, having regular wellness exams, limiting tobacco and alcohol use and managing weight and stress are all active steps in preventing heart disease.

Parish employees participated in National Wear Red Day Feb. 6, and Robottom said they will continue to wear red on Fridays throughout the month to spread the word.