At a recent meeting of the Baxley Lions Club, Dr. Orlando Fernando, or Dr. Orly as he is affectionately called, spoke about heart health. His wife, Nerry, and their two daughters, Alyssa and Andrea, accompanied him. The Deep South has the highest rate of heart disease in the United States. This is caused in part by poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
The main causes of heart attacks and strokes are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking and family history. Of all the relevant factors, the only one beyond control is family history. Dr. Fernando encouraged Lions to take control of their own lives by living sensibly and taking advantage of new medical advances.
Dr. Orly’s pretty daughter, Alyssa, celebrated her 16th birthday by assisting her father in his presentation. The Baxley Lions sang Happy Birthday to her. Appling County is fortunate to be the adoptive home of Dr. Fernando and his family. The Lions motto is: We Serve.