Baptist Huntingdon recently held two events to help make a difference in the lives of local residents.
A “cloud of color” kicked off the hospital’s first annual 5K Rabbit Color Run and one mile Bunny Color Hop Walk, which raised $4,500 for the Huntingdon High School cross country team and the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation. Baptist Huntingdon’s annual Men’s Health Fair included a message from a man who credits last year’s event with saving his life.
The reduced-price HeartScore Jim West received at last year’s health fair indicated he had heart disease. A HeartScore of 400 means a patient could have a heart problem. Jim’s score was 1,135.
“Before the heart screen, I noticed nothing strange about my health or my heart. I had undergone previous heart screenings at other health venues in the past, but nothing wrong had shown up,” he told the McKenzie Banner at this year’s health fair.
Doctors then performed a heart cath, which revealed four blockages: one at 75 percent, two at 85 percent and one at 90 percent. The next day, he underwent a triple bypass.
Jim completely recovered from the surgery, and today, the 72-year-old retired store owner enjoys working in his garden and yard. He also encourages other men to get screened at Baptist Huntingdon’s health fair.
“All men should take advantage of the services offered here,” he said.