RICHMOND, Va. –
A handful of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Jacksonville, Florida employees and their relatives put on their physical activity gear, laced up their sneakers and pounded the pavement to bring awareness to the importance of heart health by participating in the American Heart Association’s annual First Coast Heart Walk held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Sept. 10.
According to the AHA, cardiovascular disease occurs every 39 seconds and is the number one killer of all Americans. Heart disease also kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, and congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.
Taking part in the event was personal for Supervisory Inventory Management Specialist Bennora Simmons who suffered a heart attack in 2018.
“Supporting events like the First Coast Heart Walk is extremely important to me, not just because I’m a survivor of heart disease but it’s important because I must learn ways to live with this disease for the rest of my life and help others learn how to prevent it as much as possible,” Bennora said.
While Simmons is not a medical doctor, her experience with heart disease more than qualifies her to give this bit of sound advice to others.
“There are signs that can easily be ignored, which sometimes leads to misfortune. If folks know the common symptoms, stay on top of their fitness, and don’t be afraid to see a doctor when something isn’t quite right, we may be able to save more lives.”