Electrical contractor Canyon State Electric and the American Heart Association of Arizona presented Arline Nazario of McCarthy Building Companies with the Steven Maderazzo Lifestyle Change Award.

The award, returning for a second year, recognizes individuals in the construction industry who have made significant and positive changes to improve their quality of life and overall health.

Nazario was diagnosed with a leaking heart valve and high blood pressure earlier this year, a press release notes. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated leaking valves can cause heart rhythm problems and heart failure.

“It really clicked for me. I realized it was serious,” Nazario stated. “I knew if I didn’t fix it, I wasn’t going to be around for my kids to get married or have children.”

After her diagnosis, Nazario began eating better, started walking more than 10,000 steps daily, reduced her blood pressure, and lost 12 pounds. She also increased her average nightly sleep to seven hours.

Mike Gonzalez, vice president for McCarthy Building Companies, nominated Nazario after seeing the changes she made to her health.

“She is feeling better, serves as an inspiration to those around her, and is a heart health champion in our office,” Gonzalez stated. “She is an amazing partner that we feel deserves recognition with the Steven Maderazzo Lifestyle Change Award.”