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February 03, 2006

Health talk with a heart: Altrusa and Shands team to educate women
Altrusa awards literacy grants

Heart health was the talk of the town as over 150 participants gathered to lunch and learn about the diseases associated with the heart.

This event, which was sponsored by Altrusa Club of Starke and Shands Starke, was held at the Starke Golf and Country Club at noon on Jan. 26. While women and men from all walks of life enjoyed each other's company and lunched, Dr. Thomas Beavers, head of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Florida, spoke about the dangers of women ignoring their heart health.
About one in every 2.5 women will die of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. As the number one killer of women, research points to the fact that more women die of these diseases than men. Symptoms of heart issues are different in women than men.

Dr. Beavers was introduced by one of his patients, Altrusa's own Mary Powell. While getting information to women on heart health had been a priority for Altrusa, educating women on the importance of heart health has taken on new meaning for club members.
"We have seen first hand, through Mary Powell, the success that can be achieved when women know the symptoms of heart diseases and how to get immediate care when the symptoms arise," said Dana Crase, president of Altrusa. "She is an important member of our club, our own Altrusan sister, and her recovery has meant a great deal to us all."

After the one hour luncheon, Dr. Beavers remained for questions from the participants. Shands Starke provided informational pamphlets and specialty "heart tins" for attendees while Curves, owned by member, Karen Whittington, provided pamphlets as well.
This is the second such heart health seminar sponsored by Altrusa Club of Starke and Shands Starke. Anyone interested in more information on heart health may contact Andrea Waterhouse or Jeannie Baker at (904) 368-2300.

Altrusa awards literacy grants

More books will be available soon in several Bradford County schools as Altrusa Club of Starke presented more than $4,000 in grants to area libraries.

Altrusa's commitment to promoting literacy is well-known. The organization submitted grants, written by members Mary Powell and Cheryl Canova, to several agencies throughout the year and received $3,000 from Wal-Mart and $1,000 through Altrusa International Inc. One hundred percent of these funds went back into the community.

A $1,500 grant was given to Hampton Elementary and Lawtey Community School. Grants worth $250 were also given to Bradford Vo-Tech, Southside Elementary and the Friends of the Library. A fourth grant for $250 has yet to be awarded.

These funds were specifically earmarked for use in purchasing books to replace old, torn or lost library books. Principals, reading coaches and other school personnel attended luncheons held by Altrusa to receive their awards. The replacement of library books is phase two in Altrusa's literacy plan for the current year.

Submitted by Carole Decelle.