House offices get heart-healthy before Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is still a week away, but for some House members and staffers, the day of hearts came early on Thursday, as the non-profit group Sister to Sister provided its 10th year of free heart-health evaluations and counseling on the Hill.

The event at the Rayburn House Office Building included medical consolations, on-hand nutritionists, and visits from personal fitness trainers. “Holly Heart,” the organization’s mascot, even stopped by a few House offices, including that of Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) to snap a few photos with staffers.

Lisa Townsend, program director at Sister to Sister, tells The Hill when the event began ten years ago, “not many people knew much about their heart and general health.” Now, plenty of lawmakers and staffers make a point of giving their hearts a little TLC.

“We’re here to get the message out. Heart health is important for all men and women, regardless of their political persuasion,” said Townsend.

She noted that Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-District of Columbia) has acted as member sponsor of the screenings since they began in 2003, and has spoken at the event each year since.

The heart-healthy focus wasn’t without a little fun, and many staffers made a stop by the novelty photo booth or took advantage of the stress relaxation massages and tips.

For those members who couldn’t make today’s event, the next chance comes on a particularly good day for heart-health: February 14th, in the Hart Senate Office Building.

Photo: "Holly Heart" poses with staffers in Rep. John Garamendi's office on Thursday.