April 10, 2009
CHARLESTON -- Cardiovascular disease is the single leading cause of death for South Carolina and American women, killing twice as many women over age 25 as the next seven causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Further, more women than men die from a first heart attack or stroke. But there’s good news amid the grim statistics – most cardiovascular disease can be prevented and treated.
In an ongoing effort to educate more Lowcountry women, Women’s Heart Care at the Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) Heart and Vascular Center, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign and BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of South Carolina have joined forces to present the third annual Women’s Heart Health Symposium on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, located at 77 Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston.
"Women's heart health was neglected for many years," said Dr. Pamela B. Morris, co- director of MUSC’s Women's Heart Care and director of the Seinsheimer Cardiovascular Health Program. "Since cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, our goal is to help women of all ages understand their risks and make changes in their lifestyles that will prevent them from developing heart disease."
The Women’s Heart Health Symposium will feature MUSC cardiologists, heart surgeons and nutritionists, who will present the latest research and treatment options, as well as participate in interactive discussions with the audience. Highlights include:
• Dr. Pamela B. Morris – New inflammation risk markers in women and a review of recent studies
• Dr. Marian H. Taylor – MUSC’s statewide efforts to raise awareness about the epidemic of heart disease in women
• Dr. Jacob G. Robison – Stroke and peripheral arterial disease in women
• Dr. Jennifer Peura – Heart failure in women
• Dr. Michael Gold – Heart palpitations in women
• Dr. John Ikonomidis – Heart surgery in women
• Amy Mendez – Heart-healthy nutrition for real-life families
The program also will feature performance and instruction in shag dancing by the Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Professionals, a laughter session, a Go Red fashion show showcasing red fashions from local clothiers, shopping with a selection of vendors, and a raffle for prizes donated by local merchants.
Admission to the Women’s Heart Health Symposium is free and attendees will receive a heart healthy lunch and gift bags. Participants also will have the opportunity to receive a heart health screening at MUSC, but space is limited and reservations are required.
To make reservations to attend the Women’s Heart Health Symposium and inquire about a heart health screening, participants should call (843) 792-1616 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.MUSCHealth.com/whhs.
The Women’s Heart Health Symposium was founded in 2007 by MUSC Heart and Vascular Board Chair Bev Seinsheimer, a former cardiac nurse and Charleston philanthropist, who with her husband, Wally Seinsheimer, also established the Seinsheimer Cardiovascular Health Program at MUSC in 2008. Mrs. Seinsheimer and Sigrid Laughlin co-chair a volunteer organizing committee that plans the symposium and helps fund the event.
MUSC is the exclusive local sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, a nationwide movement that encourages women to care for their hearts by leading healthy lives and knowing the risk factors for heart disease. Dr. Morris also serves on the American Heart Association’s Mid-Atlantic board.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also has helped underwrite the cost of the Symposium since its inception. ###
2009 Women’s Heart Health Symposium Agenda
9:00-9:05 am — Welcome: The Honorable Mayor Joseph P. Riley
9:05-9:15 am — Epidemic of Heart Disease in Women: Raising Awareness in South Carolina; Dr. Marian Taylor, MUSC Preventive Cardiologist
9:15-9:45 am — Putting the Vascular in Cardiovascular: Understanding Stroke and PAD in Women; Dr. Jacob G. Robison, MUSC Vascular Surgeon
9:45-10:15 am — When the Heart Can’t Take Anymore: Understanding Heart Failure in Women; Dr. Jennifer Peura, MUSC Cardiologist
10:15-10:30 am — The Doctor is In: Questions with Drs. Robison and Peura
10:30-11:00 am — Refreshment Break and Expo Browsing
11:00-11:15 am — Shaggin’ with the Stars: Shag Your Way to Heart Health! Instruction by Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Professionals
11:15-11:45 am — My Heart’s All A-flutter: Understanding Palpitations in Women; Dr. Michael Gold, Chief of Division of Cardiology, MUSC
11:45-12:45 pm — Heart Healthy Lunch Break: Yes, Healthy can be Delicious! Fork Catering
12:15-12:45 pm — Shaggin’ with the Stars! Carolina’s Very Own Heart Health Activity Performance by Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Professionals
12:45-1:15 pm — Heart Surgery in Women: An Equal Opportunity Intervention; Dr. John Ikonomidis, MUSC Cardiothoracic Surgeon
1:15-1:45 pm — Heart Health in a Hurry: Nutrition for Real Life Families; Amy Mendez, RD, LD, MPH, Director of Nutrition, Seinsheimer CV Health Program
1:45-2:00 pm — Inflammation and the Heart: Understanding New Risk Markers in Women; Dr. Pamela Morris, MUSC Preventive Cardiologist
2:00-2:15 pm — Laugh Your Way to Heart Health! Humor and the Heart; Katie Lawrence, Certified Laughter Leader
2:15-2:45 pm — Go Red Fashion Show; Beautiful MUSC Heart and Vascular Center staff and patients in stunning red fashions provided by generous area merchants
2:45-3:00 pm — Prize Giveaway! Must be present to win! Testimonial
About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including 1,500 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.6 billion. MUSC operates a 750-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.
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