Heart & Stroke Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda – Our larger-than-life mascot Arter has been busy spreading his heart-healthy messages in the nation’s schools – raising both smiles and awareness along the way.

The vibrant character has been interacting with children at TN Kirnon Primary, St John’s Catholic Primary and the Seventh-Day Adventist School, inspiring them to make healthy choices when it comes to diet and exercise.

Foundation members assisted by a large team of volunteers have also been screening teachers and school staff for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

With almost half of Antigua and Barbuda’s adults described as overweight or obese by the World Health Organization, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is on a mission to reverse the trend.

The aim is to visit every school in the country and help reduce non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.