Staff Reports

First Heart Smart Conference draws more than 150 attendees in Waxahachie

Attendees at the Heart Smart Conference listen to a presentation. Courtesy photo.

More than 150 community members gathered at the Waxahachie Senior Center on April 16 for the first Heart Smart Conference, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Ellis County in partnership with the center.

“We are so grateful to everyone who made this event a success, especially the Waxahachie Senior Center for hosting us and providing such a beautiful space,” said Danae Hicks, county extension agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “It was exciting to see so many people come together to prioritize their health and well-being.”

The event offered a full day of engaging presentations, hands-on learning, and health resources aimed at promoting heart health and overall wellness. Attendees heard from Dr. Seth Watson of Lott Physical Therapy, as well as Dr. Debra Kellstedt and Dr. Michael Lopez from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

In addition to educational sessions, participants explored a health fair featuring local vendors and organizations offering screenings, wellness tools, and heart-healthy resources.

"This conference was just the motivation I needed to keep going in my health journey. The speakers were great and engaging, and the health fair had so many resources,” one participant shared.

A special thank-you was extended to Reach Council for hosting an on-site medication drop-off table, where participants safely disposed of a box and a half of old, expired, and unused medications.

Plans are underway for next year’s Heart Smart Conference, which will return in February in honor of American Heart Month.

For more information on upcoming health and wellness programs, contact the Ellis County Extension Office at 972-825-5175 or visit ellis.agrilife.org.

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