WILSON, N.C. — Educating customers about healthy hearts and healthful living was the focus of a Healthful Living Day held recently at Belk of Wilson. And, partnering with Belk for this wellness education event were the Barton College School of Nursing and the Barton College Association of Nursing Students (BCANS).
Barton nursing students were on hand at Belk to provide free blood pressure screenings, and to share information about cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as the risk factors of smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, and their damaging effects on the heart. Customers were reminded that choosing a heart-healthy diet, making time for exercise, and scheduling regular check-ups with physicians were important ways to keep their hearts healthy. A wide variety of healthful living pamphlets were made available for customers in addition to free heart-healthy recipe booklets provided by Belk.
“Belk continually seeks opportunities to express appreciation for our customers, and we are gratified that they have responded so favorably to these community initiatives that focus on heart health and healthful living,” said Zeb Whitehurst, Belk store manager. “The nursing students were well informed and professional as they provided blood pressure screenings, and they offered great healthful living tips. Barton’s School of Nursing continues to be a great partner in educating our customers about wellness for life.”
Committed leaders in our community, Barton College and Belk welcome opportunities to provide service to the greater Wilson area, and this wellness education event provided a great opportunity to promote best practices in healthful living.
“This has become an annual event for our nursing students to partner with Belk in Wilson, and Barton’s School of Nursing was pleased to be invited to provide blood pressure screenings again this year,” shared Dr. Sharon I. Sarvey, dean of the Barton College School of Nursing. “We welcome these opportunities to reach out in service, and partnering with Belk allows our nursing students to provide health education to members of the community outside of the traditional health care settings. Nursing is very much focused on educating the public about preventive care so that patients can enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and we welcome opportunities to share these important messages.”
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