A 20-year “labour of love” was opened to the public following the dedication of the Cardiac Outreach, Renewal and Educational Centre (CORE).Health Minister Zane DeSilva and Bermuda Heart Foundation executive director Simone Barton presided over CORE's official opening.Governor Sir Richard Gozney also attended the ribbon-cutting at the facility in Chancery Lane, Hamilton, along with Argus Group CEO Gerald Simons and a supporting team from Columbia University's New York Presbyterian Hospital.Ms Barton thanked the New York team who had flown to the Island for the event.She also thanked Mr Simons for insurance support, and Sir Richard “for giving us the go-ahead” the Governor issued a written statement in 2009 in which he pledged his support of the project.Sir Richard's official recommendation was instrumental in securing financial and parliamentary support, Ms Barton said. Mr DeSilva said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here today to be part of the opening of CORE, Bermuda's first cardiac prevention and rehabilitation centre, which is dedicated to reducing the incidence of heart-related deaths on our Island.”He noted that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Bermuda. “Statistics indicate that 47 percent of all deaths in 2007 were directly related to cardiovascular disease. Incredibly, that's almost half of all our deaths on our Island.”The centre will serve people predisposed to heart problems, such as those who are diabetic, pre-diabetic, obese, or who suffer from hypertension.“The centre will provide tailor-made programmes to support and educate at-risk individuals who are referred by their physicians. This will include proper fitness, healthy eating and cardiac awareness.”The centre has high-tech exercise equipment for its clients' use and offers support groups and courses in nutrition and healthy cooking. Cardiology services range from initial consultations and stress-testing to electrocardiography and wearable Holter devices, which monitor heart activity for days at a time. The CORE team includes cardiologists, a dietician, a life coach and a psychologist.Useful web links: www.mybermudaheart.bm, www.americanheart.org, www.cfsan.fda.gov.