Fallin speaks on risks of heart disease
BY SHANNON MUCHMORE World Staff Writer
Saturday, May 12, 2012
5/12/12 at 5:26 AM
Heart disease can affect anyone, and Oklahomans should take responsibility for their health and try to protect themselves from it, Gov. Mary Fallin said Friday at the annual Go Red for Women luncheon of the American Heart Association.
"I want you to know how important this issue is to me as your governor and, frankly, as a woman," she said.
Oklahoma lags in many health outcome indicators, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. These can often be prevented by exercise, healthy eating and avoidance of tobacco, Fallin said.
"These are things we can do to help ourselves and our families," she said.
Fallin said heart disease contributed to the deaths of her parents. Her father died of a heart attack when he was her age, and her mother was bedridden in her 70s, she said.
Also, a woman she hired soon after becoming governor suffered a stroke at age 42, despite eating well and exercising.
"We were heartbroken, and it got my attention," Fallin said.
She said she has used her position as governor to help curb heart disease risk in the state.
She has worked to make school lunches healthier and recently signed an executive order banning tobacco on all state-owned property, she said.
Fallin, like many of those who attended the luncheon, was clad in a bright red suit. The menu included gazpacho, pork with asparagus and roasted potatoes, and a parfait with fresh fruit.
She praised attendees for their work.
"Thank you for caring," she said. "Thank you for being involved and thank you for trying to make a difference in Oklahoma."
Original Print Headline: Fallin speaks on heart disease risk
Shannon Muchmore 918-581-8306
shannon.muchmore@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Gov. Mary Fallin speaks at the American Heart Association's annual Go Red for Women luncheon Friday at the Tulsa Convention Center. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World
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