Heart Health
Columbia Home & Lifestyle is partnering with the American Heart Association for a yearlong awareness program for cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease. Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are devastating to women, too. In fact, coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack, is the leading cause of death for American men and women. Many women believe that cancer is more of a threat, but they’re wrong. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Here is a list of some key events coming up in mid-Missouri to promote cardiovascular health in men, women and children.
FEBRUARY: MID-MISSOURI GOES RED
Look for health care providers in Columbia and Jefferson City to “go red in their own fashion” throughout American Heart Month in February to demonstrate their support for the fight against cardiovascular diseases. “Going red” will include the display of banners and signage, giveaway of educational literature from the American Heart Association and lighting of buildings in red to build awareness for the cause. For more information, call 573-446-3000 or 573-230-6160.
FEB. 6 (OR ANY OTHER DAY IN FEBRUARY)-WEAR RED DAY
Companies encourage employees to donate $5 to the American Heart Association, buying participants the right to wear jeans and/or red shirts to work on a designated day in February. The money raised is used for research and education to prevent heart disease and stroke in women. KPLA will be airing PSAs to raise awareness and encourage women to know their numbers and consult with their physician. For more information about how your company can get involved in the fight against cardiovascular disease, call 573-446-3000.
FEB. 21: DR. HUGH STEPHENSON HEART BALL AT HOLIDAY INN EXECUTIVE CENTER IN COLUMBIA
The American Heart Association in Columbia hosts the fifth annual Dr. Hugh Stephenson Heart Ball at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, sponsored by University of Missouri Health Care, Boone Hospital Center, Missouri Heart Center, the Dr. Hugh Stephenson Department of Surgery at University of Missouri School of Medicine, KOMU-TV, Mid-Missouri CW, KFRU and Columbia Home & Lifestyle. This annual social gala features dinner and silent and live auctions to raise money in support of cardiovascular research and education. During the ball, heart disease survivors share their stories, local medical professionals are recognized for their outstanding work, and organizers acknowledge individual and business donors. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. For tickets or event sponsorship details, call 573-446-3000.
LOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION IN OUR APRIL/MAY ISSUE ABOUT:
APRIL 8: MISSOURI LOBBY DAY & NATIONAL START WALKING DAY
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S. And physical inactivity doubles the risk. These days, adults are spending more time at work than ever before with even less time spent being active. You can support the fight against heart disease by participating in National Start! Walking Day, Wednesday, April 8. This is the day that adults nationwide can make the pledge to Start! walking and to become active and heart healthy, especially in the workplace. On this special day, begin by inviting co-workers to wear their sneakers to work; encourage employees to get in their 30 minutes of walking that day; host a walk and/or rally to show your commitment to living longer, healthier lives; change one of your April 8 meetings to a walking meeting, and let your colleagues know why; Start! shopping for something green to wear on April 8 at www.americanheart.org to show you support the Start! movement; and/or get a free National Start! Walking Day tool kit to promote National Start! Walking Day in your workplace by calling 573-446-3000. By joining others across the country, you’ll be a part of the solution to get America walking. Advocates from throughout Missouri will also convene on the Missouri State Capitol on April 8 to encourage elected officials to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers: heart disease and stroke. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Missourians will engage in activities designed to boost support for increased physical education requirements in Missouri schools, public placement of Automated External Defibrillators, smoke-free air and other important initiatives. To participate, contact 573-446-3000.
MAY: AMERICAN STROKE MONTH
During the month of May, health educators focus on the risk factors for stroke they will help the public recognize the warning signs while understanding the importance of seeking medical attention immediately to minimize long-term effects.
LOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION IN OUR JULY/AUGUST DIGITAL EDITION ABOUT:
AUG. 29: COLUMBIA START! HEART WALK AT STEPHENS LAKE PARK
The 14th annual Columbia Heart Walk kicks off at Stephens Lake Park. Walkers organize teams among co-workers and friends. Funds raised at the event support the American Heart Association’s heart disease research and education programs. For sponsorship details or to learn more about forming your own team, call 573-446-3000.
LOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION IN OUR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER PRINT EDITION ABOUT:
SEPTEMBER: GO HEALTHY MONTH
During September, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation places special emphasis on the growing rate of childhood obesity, encouraging children and their parents/guardians to focus on physical activity and nutrition in an effort to improve the overall health of our youth.
NATIONAL AHA PROGRAMS
Go Red for Women-The American Heart Association’s nationwide movement, linked to the red dress icon, encourages women to improve their heart health and live stronger, healthier lives. www.goredforwomen.org.
Start!- This national movement calls on all American employers to create a culture of physical activity. Promoting physical activity through workplace walking programs can help employees reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. www.americanheart.org
Alliance for a Healthier Generation-More than 11 million U.S. children are overweight, leading to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation have joined together to stop the nationwide increase in childhood obesity by 2010, targeting homes, schools, restaurants and doctors’ offices. www.americanheart.org
Power to End Stroke-The risk of first-ever stroke among African-Americans is almost twice as high as that of white Americans. This initiative focuses on encouraging African-Americans to learn the risk factors and work with a doctor to reduce them, recognize the warning signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately during a stroke emergency. HYPERLINK “http://www.strokeassociation.org” www.strokeassociation.org
Columbia Home & Lifestyle is the exclusive magazine sponsor in Columbia for Go Red For Women, Start!, Power to End Stroke, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the 2009 Dr. Hugh Stephenson Heart Ball and the 2009 Columbia Start! Heart Walk.
