Tamara Sabine, Baton Rouge

Recently, Tamara Sabine of Baton Rouge was selected to serve a second term as Chair of the American Heart Association's 2017-18 Louisiana Advocacy Committee. She has been an active volunteer for the American Heart Association (AHA) for more than 10 years and looks forward to continuing in this leadership role for policy change.

Occupation: Grant Writer, as well as an Independent Consultant for Rodan + Fields.  

How long have you been a volunteer with the AHA and in what capacity? More than 10 years.

Who or what inspires you to help and volunteer your time to the work of the AHA? My children – A.J. (15), Lauren (13) and Oliver (10). I first started volunteering with the AHA when asked by Terri Broussard Williams, Louisiana Government Relations Director at the time, to assist in the smoke-free air campaign to advocate for tobacco-free zones in public buildings, including restaurants. I’ve always chosen restaurants that are non-smoking, or have well-contained smoking areas. I want my children to grow up in clean air, not around smoke, because I know the dangers of secondhand smoke on children.

What heart-healthy issue is most important to you and why? Healthy eating. Too often families choose foods based on cost – how cheap it is – and not on how nutritious it is. So, children and adults don’t get enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and get too much of fats, sugars and chemicals. I strive to feed my family as many fruits, vegetables and lean meats as I can afford, and I truly understand how difficult that can be for families, but it has to be done – or our children will have to deal with obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

What are two ways you keep yourself healthy? I eat the healthiest diet I can – lots of fruits and vegetables every day and I try to walk every evening for 30 minutes.

How is your community healthy that makes you proud? My community is working on getting healthy. There is the bike/walking path on the levee, the Red Stick Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, and more smoke-free restaurants & public areas in Baton Rouge.

How do you stay updated on current public policies in your state?  I read the AHA emails that are sent out and respond as needed.

If you could help advocate for one change in your state, what would it be and why?  That’s a good question. I’d say more bike/pedestrian-friendly walkways, or more support for healthier school lunches. It’s gotten a little better, but there’s still room for improvement.

Do you have a favorite AHA/ASA event you annually attend? What is your motivation to participate? I love the Go Red For Women event! I also enjoy attending Lobby Day at the legislature, when my schedule allows.

Have you attended a state or federal lobby day on behalf of the AHA? If so, please briefly explain your experience.  Yes, I have attended the state lobby day numerous times. I enjoy being able to chat with legislators about what’s needed in regards to tobacco-free living, healthy meals for kids and first aid needs in the state. 

What have you learned in your time being a You’re the Cure advocate? If everyone pitches in and does one little thing, we can change our city, our state, our nation, our world. I truly believe that.

Why would you tell a friend or family member to join You’re the Cure? I would tell them to join You’re the Cure to stay abreast of what’s going on in the legislature and in Congress regarding health-related issues, because heart disease and other health issues eventually affect us all.

Tell us one unique thing about yourself. I’ve lived in Baton Rouge all of my life, but was born on a military base.

My 'WHY' is: I do it for my kids. I want to be around for a long, long time. To see them grow up and have their own families, my grandkids. I can't wait!