For the past several years, placing heart health in the limelight during the month of February has been helped at Bradford Regional Medical Center through a beautiful art show.
The annual show, titled the “HeART of Caring Art Show,” will be displayed Feb. 11 to Feb. 22 in the main lobby of the medical center and is in recognition of American Heart Month. The event is free and open to the community.
Roger Peters, a volunteer at BRMC and coordinator of the art show, said he expects to receive the artwork of a number of local artists who have participated in the event in the past, but new artists are welcome, as well.
“I’m going to set up this weekend, and the (regular) artists have been notified,” Peters said, noting he plans to do follow-up calls with artists.
He said a variety of mediums will be represented at the show, with emphasis on art that includes wood crafts, fiber arts and pottery.
“I’m encouraging any craft that promotes hand-eye coordination,” he explained. “Last year, we had quilting, knitting, wood work (and others that required hand-eye coordination), which helps keep your brain organized.”
Stacy Williams, director of volunteer services and community outreach, has stated in the past that one of the components to a healthy heart is reducing stress, which can be achieved through the creation of art.
“Most artists experience joy and relaxation when in a creative mode. We would like the community to also experience the same as they view the works of art,” Williams had stated. “Our hope is that individuals will be inspired with the creativity of the pieces that are showcased.”
Peters said he expects to show the work of at least 16 or 17 local artists from the area, as well as a number of newcomers.
“I’m always looking for new people to exhibit … from three to five pieces” if possible, he remarked.
Peters said hospital staff and visitors always appreciate the show, as well as the information provided both on the arts and heart health in the lobby.
“It’s an amazing amount of traffic that goes through the hospital lobby,” he added.
Peters, who is a member of the McKean County Arts Council, said he and other artists from the area appreciate the venue provided by the hospital the past six or seven years.
“The hospital has been very kind about letting us use the space to promote the arts in the community,” Peters remarked. “I want to have a table with some of the art work and applications for membership” into the arts council.
At the same time, heart health information will be provided through brochures on display.
According to statistics provided by the American Heart Association:
Approximately 84 million people in this country suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, causing about 2,200 deaths a day, averaging one death every 40 seconds.
Almost one out of every three deaths results from cardiovascular disease.
An estimated 15 million U.S. adults have coronary heart disease.
Approximately 78 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and an estimated 20 million have diabetes.
Heart failure affects well over five million U.S. adults.
Cardiovascular disease is the cause of more deaths than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases and accidents combined.
It is a myth that heart disease is a man’s disease. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women and men.
About one-third of cardiovascular disease deaths occurred before age 75.
For more information on the art show, or the event, call 362-8288.
