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EDUCATION AND PREVENTION Smolens’ best advice for women cannot be stressed enough— women need to be their own healthcare advocates. “Ask a lot of questions, seek second opinions, go to reputable medical sites on the Internet,” she says. According to Smolens, a great source of information is the American Heart Association, which she feels is doing a phenomenal and critical job getting the word out about heart disease and prevention. In fact, this year is the 50th anniversary of the Phoenix Heart Ball, which has given more than $26 million back to the community for education and research programs related to heart disease. We’ve come a long way since the inception of the ball back in 1959. At that time, research for pacemakers, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and bypass surgery was just getting underway. Today, the Phoenix Heart Ball—together with the American Heart association—is engaged in many educational and preventative programs within the community. They are designed to educate children about nutrition and exercise, and teach adults about risk factors, cholesterol reduction, and how to recognize signs of a heart attack and stroke. Beth McRae, this year’s Phoenix Heart Ball chair, believes that even though we’ve made great strides over the past 18 years, we still have a long way to go. “My grandfather suffered a heart attack many years ago, so it does hit home,” says McRae. “My goal is to raise money to provide community programs, reach out to the corporate community on the benefits of having healthy employees and, most importantly, reach out to the public and educate them on preventative measures for both heart disease and stroke.” This type of education is what Smolens is advocating. Not only does it make her job easier, but it will ultimately save lives. It’s the same reason she is so passionate about the women’s heart center. “I want this center to be the most unique, well-respected resource for women’s healthcare ensuring these needs will be addressed,” she says. Smolens knew at a very early age exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. What she did not expect was to be a role model. “First and foremost, I hope I am a role model to my daughter and then hopefully it trickles down to other young girls so they see that all the doors are open to them and they can do and be whatever they want to be.” Spoken by a woman who is living her dream—a dream that in some ways is just getting started. Her ultimate goal is to attend law school to fight for medical rights and reform, and to continue speaking openly and passionately about what matters most to her … matters of the heart. pW
(above) Smolens operating in India; Smolens (right) operating for Project HOPE in Thailand
Robin Sewell is the Executive Producer and Host of Arizona Highways Television and President of Robin Sewell Productions. She is also on the Phoenix Heart Ball committee.
phoenixWoman.com
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