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Meeting the Heart Disease Challenge

president's letter

Letter from John M. Carrigg, President and CEO of UHS

John Carrigg, CEO

Events like the Southern Tier Heart Walk support incredible research, lifesaving education and transformational advocacy in the fight against heart disease in our community. That’s why I’m so proud to serve this year as chairperson of the walk. This is an annual event that makes an impact for longer, healthier lives. All who participate in the walk do so for some genuinely heartfelt reasons. The “Why” for me is both professional and personal.

As president of the community’s largest healthcare system, I see both the negative impact of heart disease and stroke and the positive effects of beneficial research and world-class treatment, right here in our own region. Through the work of our Heart & Vascular Institute, UHS is a center for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. We are equally committed to education and prevention to help people stay as healthy as possible for a lifetime.

On a personal level, I have seen several family members affected by heart disease. This has prompted our entire family to take our health seriously, and stay committed to good nutrition, physical fitness and regular checkups.

You can join me in making a difference in the battle. This year, our goal is to raise $380,000, which would beat our record from last year. Be part of it all by donating and keeping an eye out for the 2020 Southern Tier Heart Walk, which will be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Also, together with the American Heart Association, we at UHS are encouraging everyone to participate in the Check It! Challenge. This effort asks you to Check your blood pressure twice a month for four months, Change to healthier habits and get your hypertension under Control. Look for details at nyuhs.org.

Again, thank you for walking with me on the road to better heart health for the Southern Tier.