THE HEART Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) is now an official trainer organisation for the Inter-American Heart Foundation/American Heart Association.
This means that training in emergency cardiac care (ECC) provided by the Foundation is now internationally recognised.
Professor Augustus Grant, president of the American Heart Association, made the proclamation to resounding applause at the foundation's annual banquet at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on Monday night.
For Dr. Knox Hagley, chairman of the foundation, said this attainment was a significant milestone.
He said that annually, approximately 2,000 persons are trained in ECC including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
SERIOUS CONCERNS
But he said that there were still serious concerns with the lifestyles of many Jamaicans, which place them at risk of suffering from heart diseases.
"When we look at the leading cause of heart disease, a large majority of them can be prevented," he said, noting that hypertension was one such illness.
He said that while the Foundation had managed to positively impact on the public on the importance of proper lifestyle, individuals had to take responsibility for their health.
Having the knowledge is not enough and this is where policy makers should come in... to encourage persons," he said.
Referring to the recent imposition of the Government to ban the advertisement of cigarettes, he said this was commendable, but noted that the Government would still have to implement more projects to promote healthy lifestyles.
