American Heart Association encourages women to American Heart Association encourages women to GO RED – Luncheon held at Civic Center
|
Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together and wipe out heart disease. The color red and the red dress emblem have become encouragement for all women to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
Chairperson Melanie Lanier and Tambry Brechon, American Heart Association regional director, welcomed the 275 guests to the event, encouraging them to be aware of the call to action for all women to commit to living a heart-healthy lifestyle and to become a champion of their health.
Health screening stations were available where ladies could get their blood pressure checked, along with their cholesterol and glucose levels. Items donated for a silent auction benefiting the campaign were displayed for prospective bidders.
Attendees enjoyed a heart-healthy lunch provided by students of the Warren County High School culinary class, and heard encouraging words from keynote speaker Dr. Randall Rampp.
Emotional accounts of heart situations were shared by survivors, Pamela Steakley, Sherry Ross, Mary Lou Ward and Roxie St. John. Tanya Bess spoke to the group in memory of her mother, Wilma Poss, who passed away last September at the age of 67.
?My mother thought she did everything right for her health, but was at risk because she was a woman,? said Bess. She encouraged all women to know their body, know their health numbers and be aware of warning signs.
Too few women realize that heart disease is their number one killer and are taking action to prevent it. The good news is that heart disease can largely be prevented. The Go Red for Women program debuted in February 2004 with a goal to raise awareness of the risks associated with heart disease.
The program is sponsored nationally by Macy?s, and locally by Dr Pepper, Bridgestone Firestone, River Park Hospital, Ben Lomand and many other individuals and businesses.
Jo E. Powers, who suffered a heart attack two weeks prior to the event, closed the program with encouraging words to the ladies also to know their health risks and keep a close watch. She was totally surprised when her symptoms occurred, especially since they were not what she had expected.
?I thought I had a case of indigestion, later I had pain in my jaws and my head hurt. I never had what I call chest pain, just discomfort,? said Powers.
After a rush trip to Nashville and angioplasty procedure where she received a stent for a blockage, she is feeling much better.
?I can tell you now that I know the meaning of wonderful! It is so wonderful to have this behind me and to be here today,? said Powers.