Heart disease has hit close to my family, and let me tell you, losing a loved one to heart disease is devastating to family and friends. I made a commitment to look at my lifestyle and have made simple changes to maintain a healthy weight. I hope that you will take the opportunity of this new year to change your lifestyle and get out there and enjoy your life to the fullest. What are you waiting for?
The Choctaw Nation has many ways for you to start your healthy lifestyle on a good footing. Our top-notch wellness centers throughout the reservation are there for you to get healthy and maintain your new lifestyle. The centers are designed to get you healthy around your schedule. There are trainers and staff at each wellness center location to help light the way to a healthier you.
I’m also pleased that the Choctaw Nation celebrates “Wear Red Day” each year (this year’s “Wear Red Day” is on Feb. 6). The Choctaw Wear Red Campaign coincides with the national day that raises awareness for cardiovascular disease — the No. 1 killer of women.
We wear red to remind everyone that they are often the first responder in a cardiac emergency. Women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander. Anyone can be the difference before professional help arrives, and this starts with knowing CPR. You don’t need medical training to learn CPR; you need knowledge, courage, and the willingness to act. I’m like many who believe CPR is our civic duty, and we should do all in our power through training and education to be ready to perform CPR should we be called upon to act.
By following a healthy lifestyle, taking advantage of all the health services that the Choctaw Nation has to offer, you are helping your tribe fulfill one of our newly initiated strategic plans – empowering our people. By getting healthy, your new lifestyle journey can shine a positive light for others to follow. You don’t have to do this alone; take a family member or friend along on your journey. Our staff at the Choctaw Nation Wellness Centers is always ready to help. We are here for you, so I urge you to take advantage of the services we have to offer throughout the reservation.