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Feb. 1 marks the 10th year of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Go Red For Women movement — 10 years of fighting to save women's lives from heart disease. While the progress has been significant, there's a long way to go. Here's why:
--Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year.
--Heart disease kills more women than men, at an average rate of one death per minute.
--Heart disease kills more women than all kinds of cancer combined.
Employees, students and members of the community are encouraged to join the kick off for American Heart Month and the Go Red for Women campaign Feb. 1 at Ashley River Tower from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Go Red Day is a free event, featuring blood pressure readings, fitness demonstrations, heart health information, hands-free CPR demonstrations and more. At 11 a.m., participants will form a human heart on the stairs of the atrium for a group photo. Participants are encouraged to wear red for the photo.
One in three American women will suffer from heart disease, but only one of the five women will realize that she is at risk. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts when it comes to diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.
Throughout February, Sodexo is sponsoring a contest to help you make the right food choices for a healthier heart. One item in the hospital cafeterias will be marked with a heart to show it is the heart health food of the day. When you purchase that item, you will be given a heart health contest entry card to fill out. Place the completed card in the box for a chance to win.
Prizes include meal cards, ranging from $25 to $50, from each cafeteria.
Employee Wellness events
- Charlestowne Landing: On Feb. 2 and 3, admission to Charlestowne Landing will be half price for Tri-county residents and several ranger led programs will be available at a reduced rate. On Feb. 6, ranger Jayson Sellers from Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site will be at the Children's Hospital lobby selling annual passes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to employees for $50.
- Worksite screening: On Feb. 12 in Room 501, Children's Hospital, a worksite screening will be held. Valued at about $350, it is available to employees with the state health plan for $15. Covered spouses can also participate for $15. Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. The screening includes height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for a hemogram and blood lipid profile. To register, go to www.musc.edu/employeewellness and click on "Worksite Screening."
- Mobile mammograms: The Hollings Cancer Center mobile van will be conducting mammograms from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 13 behind the Clyburn Research Building off President Street. Call 792-0878.
MUSC Urban Farm
--Work and learn with child-friendly activities: On Saturday, Feb. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m., families are invited to work and learn at the MUSC Urban Farm. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a plastic bag so you can take home some produce in return for your work on the farm. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary.
--Early bird maintenance: Get your day started with a little tender loving care on the farm from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m., Feb. 6.
Contact Susan Johnson, Ph.D., at johnsusa@musc.edu for information about the Office of Health Promotion at MUSC, and email Suzan Benenson Whelan at whela@musc.edu for information about Employee Wellness.
Friday, Feb. 1, 2013
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