The heart is the body’s main engine, constantly pumping oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to every cell, tissue and organ, fueling our ability to live, move and thrive.
Despite advances in treatment, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. CDC data shows that someone loses their life to cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and early intervention.
Service industry workers, especially those in accommodation and food service roles, face higher rates of heart disease because long hours, shift work and high-stress, low-control environments increase stress-related cardiac risks, per the CDC.
“When you combine unpredictable schedules with constant physical demands and the pressure to meet customer expectations, it creates a level of chronic stress that directly affects heart health,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System (STHS) Heart.” These aren’t just workplace challenges, they’re risk factors that can lead to serious, life-altering conditions.”
Small but meaningful lifestyle changes, combined with regular checkups and supportive workplace environments, can play a vital role in protecting the heart health of service industry workers and the general population.
“The good news is that a big part of your heart health is actually in your hands,” Ivory says. “Every time you choose to have a healthy meal or take a brisk walk, you’re giving your heart a little boost. And when you pair those healthy habits with the right medical care, you can ease your symptoms and even add more good years to your life.”
STHS Heart marked American Heart Month by hosting its 12th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at its McAllen campus, with all proceeds supporting Goodwill South Texas’ Goodwill Academy, which offers free programs and services that help individuals prepare for meaningful careers by removing employment barriers and empowering them through education and opportunity.
This year’s event drew a record 630 participants and honored Rio Grande Valley service industry professionals who have survived—and continue to thrive—after battling heart disease.
“Seeing our community come together in such large numbers sends a powerful message,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “When we unite around a common cause like raising awareness about heart disease, we’re not just supporting one event, we’re strengthening the collective heart health of the Valley. Every participant, every step and every story shared today helps move our community toward a healthier future.”
Prior to presenting trophies and medals to the top finishers across 18 categories, STHS Heart’s Director of Ancillary Services, Regina Olvera — this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K ambassador — shared her personal battle with coronary artery disease, which led to open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass to restore blood flow. Before receiving STHS Heart’s Heart Warrior Award, she encouraged community members to take proactive steps to safeguard their heart health.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through,” Olvera said. “If you listen to your body, take preventive care seriously and make small, consistent changes, you can avoid the path that led me to surgery. Your heart is too important to ignore, so take action now to protect it.”
STHS Heart offers comprehensive cardiac diagnostic testing, including echocardiograms, EKGs, stress tests and CT calcium scoring to detect heart disease, valve disorders and blockages. To learn more about the facility’s services, visit www.sthsheart.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency departments located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
