February is American Heart Health Month, and each year Memorial Hospital hosts their annual Go Red for Women Event. This year’s event at the Chester County Club was on Thursday, February 22 and titled, “Take Charge of Your Heart Health”. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in women in the United States, this event helps spread awareness and educate women on what they can do to prevent heart disease. Those in attendance enjoyed a heart healthy dinner, wine samples, and had the pleasure of hearing from three presenters.
Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial, spoke to the group about heart and lung disease and revealed plans for a new Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center that will be opening at the Hospital in the next few months. She explained how the program would work, who it would benefit, and how it would help improve the lives of those with cardiac and pulmonary diseases. She also introduced the nursing staff that will help run the program, Kelly Jany, RN, BSN and Amy Mathis, RN.
Cassandra Chambers, Nurse Practitioner at Memorial’s Rural Health Clinics, has a background in cardiac care and explained in detail the many factors that can contribute to heart disease and signs and symptoms to watch for. She educated the women on the factors we can and cannot control and how to take charge of the things we CAN control. By improving our diets, exercising, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake, we can help keep our bodies healthy and help prevent cardiac disease.
Kristyn Riley, Physical Therapist specializing in Women’s Physical Therapy, wrapped up the night with information on what Women’s Physical Therapy is, who can benefit from this type of therapy, and what a therapy program would include. Her presentation was highly informative as many women can be suffering from pelvic floor issues and conditions and may not realize there is help. With a consultation, individualized plan, and some exercises many women can see improvements in a short period of time.
Attendees of the event enjoyed complementary wine samples, poured by Eric Winters with PRP Wine, and a delicious heart healthy meal, provided by the Chester Country Club. Educational stations were available at the event which provided blood pressure check-ups, and screening and diagnostic service information. The Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers served guests and waited on tables throughout the event.
The “Go Red for Women” campaign encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.
