February is American Heart Month and a local nurse is planning an event to bring awareness to heart disease.

Albemarle Health Community Health Nurse Pamela Etheridge encourages the public to attend Albemarle Health’s Heart Fair 2012 Feb. 16 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Albemarle Health Education Center.

Etheridge’s goal for the Heart Fair is to provide “education pertaining specifically to identifying early risk factors early on.”

A health care professional for 29 years at Albemarle Health, Etheridge has worked as a registered nurse in a variety of departments at the hospital including the emergency room. Her experience working with patients helped her realize the needs of the community.

Through her position as a community health nurse, Etheridge is able to coordinate screenings and informational sessions for churches, civic organizations, senior centers and community groups in the surrounding counties.

Etheridge said the Heart Health Fair will provide an opportunity for people to have free health screenings, which will give them vital information about their health.

“You need to know your numbers,” said Etheridge referring to cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels.

The health screenings will especially benefit “anyone who hasn’t had their numbers checked within the last year,” said Etheridge.

Etheridge said representatives from several divisions at Albemarle Health will provide information about risk factors, nutrition, fitness and prevention at the event.

Etheridge offers suggestions for planning nutritional and cost effective meals by clipping coupons, controlling portions and supporting local farmers by purchasing locally grown produce.

Exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle, and Etheridge stresses “do the exercise that makes you happy.” Simple chair exercises, walking or even involving the family with Wii games are ways to start a fitness routine, according to Etheridge.

Working with thousands of patients during her career, Etheridge said, “I feel like I am making a difference.”

The Camden County native said she knew she was meant to be a nurse after participating in the Allied Health Program in high school. Volunteering weekends as a candy striper at the hospital, the teenager was dedicated to her work and realized her future career would be in the medical field.

Etheridge serves on the Healthy Carolinians of the Albemarle Committee, Camden County Long Term Care and Adult Care Advisory Committee and the Employee Engagement Team for Albemarle Health.

She enjoys spending time with her family, exercising at the YMCA and she is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Placing a red helmet on her head, Etheridge spends her leisure time riding her red motorcycle with her husband and fellow bike club members. “It is like another accomplishment,” said Etheridge on her decision to take a motorcycle safety class at COA six years ago.

Etheridge is enthusiastic about the Heart Health Fair, and recommends people register by calling 252-384-4455.

Anna Goodwin McCarthy is a correspondent for The Daily Advance.