Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman joined Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, EMMY Award-Winning Actress and New York Times Best Seller Susan Lucci, Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, Legislator John Giuffre, and Legislator Thomas McKevitt to honor and celebrate February as Heart Health Awareness month.
County Executive Blakeman announced the dome of the Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola will be lit red to raise awareness for National Heart Health Month, reminding residents to put their health first and utilize the great doctors we have here in Nassau County.
New York Times Best Seller Susan Lucci won the EMMY Award for “Best Actress” in May of 1999 and currently serves as the National Ambassador for the Go Red For Women’s Movement with the American Heart Association. Back in 2018, Lucci’s life forever changed when she found out she had two blocked arteries and needed the surgical placement of stents, and just last year Lucci underwent a second heart procedure.
“While heart disease is the leading killer in Nassau County, we have one of the lowest percentages of deaths by population in New York.” County Executive Blakeman said. “We have some of the best medical facilities in the Nation right here in Nassau County, but residents can’t be complacent. Lighting the Executive Building red for National Heart Health Month will serve as a reminder for residents to schedule a checkup, and seek help should they feel out of the ordinary.” Blakeman concluded.
“ I think it is wonderful that we are calling attention to heart health and literally shining light on Heart Disease in Nassau County.” EMMY Award-Winning Actress and New York Times Best Seller Susan Lucci said. “Being the National Ambassador for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women Movement, I have learned that heart disease is the number one killer of women. More than all cancers combined.” She continued “ Every 80 seconds 1 woman loses her life to Heart Disease, I commend County Executive Blakeman for helping to shine light on that”.
County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman then introduced renowned Cardiologist, Richard A. Shlofmitz MD, FACC, Chairman of Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital, an internationally recognized center for Heart Health. Dr. Shlofmitz performs over 1,000 coronary interventions annually; he has been serving residents of Nassau at St. Francis Hospital since 1987, and he is responsible for saving Susan Lucci’s life.
“Heart Disease, the treatment of Heart Disease is important that patients recognize their symptoms.” Dr. Richard A. Shlofmitz said. “The key is to listen to your symptoms, if you are having exertional symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. Early detection is critical in coronary artery disease” Dr. Richard A. Shlofmitz concluded.
