Heather Halotek // Executive Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications // Employee Owner since 2013
Involvement in the American Heart Walk and donating to the American Heart Association has been an important giving back initiative for Heather Halotek over the past 10 years. As we are coming to the close of Heart Month, Heather explains why it plays such a significant role in her life.
What does Heart Month mean to you? Although February focuses on heart health, monitoring my own cardiovascular health is a daily occurrence. Being diagnosed with hypertension in 2018 woke me up to the need to take better care of this very important muscle. Although my doctor gave me advice about heart health, like walking more, eating the right foods and lowering stress, it was truly my dad who got me moving quickly in a healthier direction.
Can you share a little about that? During a routine procedure, my dad was admitted into the hospital for triple bypass surgery. This was quite a shock. When I got the news, I was speaking at the NCEO conference in Pittsburgh and had to switch around flights to be with him and my mother. I was amazed by the intricacy of the surgery and yet the quickness of getting him up and about for rehab purposes. The strength of the heart had me in awe as well as the determination of my dad to fully recover.
How did you get involved with the American Heart Association? I knew taking care of my heart should be a priority and the American Heart Association website served as a great resource for heart healthy tips and living. In addition, BL’s Giving Back and Wellness Committees have been big promoters of events throughout my tenure at the company. We Wear Red for Women, sign up for Heart Walks and I feel personally connected to the importance just a few changes you make can have in your overall health. Hugo (BL’s Mascot) and I are looking forward to raising funds and walking again this year with the BL team in support of healthy hearts.