Go Red for Women Month at DCH

February is Go Red for Women Month, which the American Heart Association promotes to bring awareness to heart disease in women.
A collaborative effort from Deckerville Community Hospital employees, Cheryl Hieber – Marketing Director, Tiffany Messing – Revenue Cycle Manager and Monica Salvatore – Medical Coder, is bringing awareness of heart disease and stroke in women.
Also aiding in this effort are Kari Kennamer – dietary at DCH and Bonnie Hoff – OR Supervisor. Kurt Shubel from Above & Beyond Tuxedos donated the use of the “red” dress in the display in the hospital lobby, the symbol for “Go Red for Women”.
Several events have been planned for the month of February, “Go Red for Women Month”, which will bring information and also raise funds for the American Heart Association.
On February 16, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Deckerville Elementary Gym, Instructor Christine Tanton will be on hand demonstrating piloxing for free to those interested. On Tuesday, February 23, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Kayla Jamieson will be at the Deckerville Elementary Gym doing PiYo, again for free, for those interested in learning fitness techniques.
Suzan Emerich will be offering two different opportunities to “Paint for the Heart”. The events will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m., both will be held at Mi-Dahs Well Banquet Hall. (The use of the hall was donated by Dana Keinath). A great way to keep your heart healthy is stress relief, and Emerich, an artist, will be showing those who purchase tickets for $45, how to paint a masterpiece called “Painting For the Heart”. Healthy snacks will be provided by Deckerville Community Hospital. Get your tickets early as seating is limited. Grab your friends and make it a girls night out for a cause. Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.
Did you know that every minute a woman dies from heart disease or that 1 in 5 women are diagnosed with heart disease yearly compared to 1-31 being diagnosed with cancer? How about this statistic – 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure and yet many don’t even know they have it.
Listed are seven simple steps to live better:
No smoking
Healthy weight -BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
Physical activity – 150 minutes of moderate or 75 vigorous/wk
Healthy diet – 4.5 cups fruit/vegetables/day; 3 ounces or more of whole grain/day; at least 2 servings fish/week; less than 450 calories from beverages w/added sugar/week; less than 1,500 mg. sodium day
Blood pressure – Systolic: less than 120MM Hg; Diastolic: less than 80MM HG
Blood cholesterol – Less than 200 mg/dL
Blood sugar – less than 100 Mg/dL
Heart attack warning signs: chest discomfort – most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back; discomfort in other areas of the upper body – symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath – this may occur with or without chest discomfort; other signs – breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness
If you or someone you’re with has any of these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
“We are just excited to be bringing awareness to area women about heart disease.”
The hospital will celebrate Red Day this Friday, and encourages women to get their Well Visit Check-Up.