BY: STORM D FRIDINGER, Force for Health Advocate

Most people playing the sport of basketball only care about the scoreboard when the clock hits zero. A group of young men and women from Juniata Valley High School decided to make their game on February 2 bigger than who had the most points at the end of the contest. They turned their competition against the Williamsburg Blue Pirates into a fundraiser for people with heart problems. The goal of the event was to raise awareness for the health risks that can add to the probability of these complications.  Another goal was

to raise money for the Cardiac Care Unit at JC Blair Memorial Hospital, located in Huntingdon, PA. The cardiac cath lab is one of the newer additions to the hospital but is seen now as one of the more crucial components to the hospitals success. A heart catheterization allows a cardiologist to diagnose and treat patients with heart problems that could possibly have a blockage or other problems with their arteries. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America and February is national heart month, which is why it is so appropriate to start the month off with a fundraiser to help those who suffer from heart disease.

It is always great to see a group of young people come together to recognize something that is bigger than a game. These students are working to make our future healthier and more successful. If you missed the event, you can still donate at JC Blair’s website to help out your local hospital or donate to the American Heart Association. If you are looking for upcoming events in the local area, you can check out the Force For Health community portal calendar.