Donating money towards The Heart Foundation of Jamaica does not mean that I do not recognize the issues in my own backyard. I simply have two backyards: One that has a plenitude of resources and one that is a Third-World nation that in my opinion quite frankly, if it had the resources we have, perhaps my father would have recuperated sooner. Or maybe he would not have developed more illnesses. Or maybe he would have learned to walk again. Or maybe… Or maybe… I am aware that in our country, a stroke ranks as the 4th leading cause of death and that from 2007 to 2008, the cost of cardiovascular disease increased by over $11 billion (myamericanheart.org). In Jamaica, it ranks as the 2nd cause of death overall, with coronary heart disease in 1st place (worldlifeexpectancy.com). For seven years I sat by while my father’s stroke became heart failure, which then led to a series of mini-strokes, a multitude of other ailments before possibly developing cancer. He was fortunate to have someone care for him on a daily basis but without all of the necessary means, it proved dire. So I have written this article as an opportunity for you as a reader to give back, if you feel so inclined. I look forward to running the ING Miami Half Marathon on January 27, 2013 even though it is now July, simply because for once I will know that each of my steps will stand for something much greater than the medal I will receive at the finish line. For information on how to donate contact me at: moniqued@ElevateLifestyle.com. For more information on The Heart Foundation of Jamaica, visit: heartfoundation.org.jm/## Monique Douglas, Fitness Contributor
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