Visitors and Guests:  We had no visitors from other clubs, but several guests.   Jeff Roeger introduced Reem Mansour, a Walgreen pharmacist for a “Health Corner” store of which Kent, Ohio is one of five in the state of Ohio.  She does not work in pharmacy, but on the sales floor helping people with medications and blood pressure and she does tests for common afflictions free of charge courtesy of Walgreen.  Shawn Gordon introduced Robert Naymick who, she said, has rejoined UH Portage Medical Center as New Business Development Manager for UH Portage Medical Center having replaced Malavanh Rassavong. Jennifer Lennox introduced Katie Thom and Valerie Weber from the American Heart Association.  Anthony Horton introduced Betsy Justice.  Bill Childers introduced Fran and Steve Hardesty. 

Announcements:  Fran and Steve Hardesty reminded us that the annual Kent Lions pancake breakfast is Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stanton Middle School and the charge is $8 per person. Betsy Justice said her Lovelight program for youngsters has purchased a house to host its program and she will be asking us to help raise money.  Roberta O’Keefe circulated a signup for volunteers to do Rotary invocations.  Bill Childers announced the United Way NCAA Tournament Watch Party and Fundraiser is March 16th from noon until 6 pm at Ray’s Place Upstairs. Amanda Senn announced that Rotary’s next social hour will be at the United Way NCAA Tournament Watch Party and that the funds it raises will go to help the United Way’s annual campaign.  

Annual Rotary Auction is May 5.  President Dave reminded us that Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates the victory of Mexico over the forces of Napoleon III in 1862, is also the date of our annual Kent Rotary Auction, our club’s major fund-raiser.

March Programs:  Todd Kamenash gave us the lineup of our March programs.  Next week, March 7, he said, the 4-Way Speech Contest.  It is followed March 14, by the fearless forecasts of the NCAA tournament in which our brackets raise money for Rotary reading programs in the Kent and Field School District.  March 21, Todd has Steve Sefner talking about, “The Golden Dream,” his new book about the great Elite 8 basketball team that Kent State fielded that year.  On March 28, Todd has scheduled Ricardo Sepulveda to talk about the Kent Blossom program.

Turkey/Syria Earthquake Relief:  President Dave circulated a basket for Rotary donations for victims of the earthquake in Tukey and Syria.  He said the hope is for our club members to contribute a total of $1,000 or more.

Program:  Preventing Heart Disease:

Dr. Anjan Gupta, MD our keynote speaker, shared with us the importance of a proper diet and regular exercise which can have a major impact on preventing heart disease.  A specialist in Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Gupta oversees the cardiology program at UH Portage Medical Center that is one of the fastest growing across the University Hospitals Health System and Northeast Ohio.  Those requiring a cardiac cauterization can have the procedure done at UH Portage Medical Center instead of being transported to Akron or Cleveland, he said, adding the savings in time is critical if one is having a heart attack.  In addition to having a negative impact on our cardiovascular system, cholesterol can also negatively impact other arteries throughout our body, including the brain which can lead to a stroke.  Additionally, too much bad cholesterol can negatively impact our vascular system causing issues like Peripheral Arterial Disease which can cause ulcerous conditions that are difficult to heal or loss of limb.  He said ideal blood pressure is 120/80 and you should have your blood pressure check regularly so you are aware of any changes and can discuss with your PCP.  Dr. Gupta said High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) are considered good cholesterol and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are considered bad cholesterol which build up in our arteries preventing normal blood flow and causes arthrosclerosis.  HDL readings should exceed 70 for good health and LDL readings should be under 100.  A low red meat, high fruit & vegetable diet helps keep our cholesterol down and adding exercise is important.  He recommends walking, swimming, or exercising between 30-40 minutes a day which can positively impact and  improve overall health.  Shawn Gordon, Executive Director of the Portage Medical Center Foundation, presented the program and introduced Dr. Gupta, MD.

Response:  Sandy Reid who volunteers as a board member of the Akron based local chapter of the American Heart Association gave the response.