ELEUTHERA - Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. According to the Department of Statistics, 25 percent of all deaths in The Bahamas are directly related to cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death in the country.

The deadly disease is prevalent in people who suffer from obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco use and excessive alcohol, among other factors. To combat this endemic, One Eleuthera Foundation, in partnership with Family Medicine Center and the Cancer Society of Eleuthera, will host their 4th Annual Pathway to Wellness Symposium under the theme "Cardiovascular health: Heart matters".
The two-day symposium will comprise three events beginning July 30.

Kicking off the event is the Pathway to Wellness Health Fair at Haynes Library Grounds, Governor's Harbour to be held on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is designed to create a forum for the general public to be sensitized to heart disease and the benefits of healthy food choices and exercise on improving health outcomes. The fair will consist of information, food and health screening booths and special giveaways.

A welcome reception at Eleuthera Arts & Cultural Center, Tarpum Bay will be held later that evening from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Here, event speakers and the public will have the opportunity to mix and mingle and get an idea of what to expect during Friday's symposium sessions.
Beginning at 8 a.m. the Pathway to Wellness Symposium: Cardiovascular Health symposium will take place at the Cancer Society Wellness Center in Palmetto Point. Speakers include Dr. Shakera Carroll, Dr. Tonya Roker-Davis, Dr. Dionne Dames, Dr. Frederick P. Smith, Dr. Sharad Johnson, Father Scott Brennen, Rev. David Cann and Kitibonni Adderley.

The symposium will be divided into two sessions:

o Heart Matters Business Session - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
During this time medical professionals will present on and discuss various topics related to cardiovascular disease and health.

o Heart Matters Interactive Public Session - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This event is designed for the general public and will take participants through a range of physical, spiritual and mental activities that are soothing to the heart.


For more information on this and other One Eleuthera projects and events, visit www.oneeleuthera.org.

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