Magee Goes RED For Heart Disease and Stroke Awareness in Women

National Wear Red Day® is Friday, February 3, 2017

Today, Team Magee goes RED to help raise awareness of how stroke and heart disease present in women. A Magee Rehabilitation champion of this cause for many years is Paula Bonsall, Therapy Supervisor, Neuro-Rehabilitation Center (NRC). “I Go RED every year to bring awareness to women on the importance of caring for themselves,” said Bonsall. “Women are often the caretakers of others, and this campaign raises women’s awareness of taking care of themselves first and understanding the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We all want our moms, daughters, sisters, friends, to be healthy for a long time, because we love them so.”

Registered Dietitian Holly Stevens (right) serves up heart healthy snacks in the dining room

Why Go Red? Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. Fortunately, we have the power to change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.

“We’re offering heart healthy snacks today on the Go Red for Women day,” said Holly Stevens, RD, LDN, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian at Magee Rehabilitation. “Mixed nuts may be a little expensive, but they are nutrient dense and a portion size is about a handful. Hummus has healthy fats and protein – it’s good as a spread, by itself, or on a salad and makes it a great party dip with fresh veggies. Get creative by adding chipotle seasoning, edamame, or roasted red pepper.”

At Magee, we Go RED to help promote awareness and many of our staff members wore red and participated in the $5 Jeans Day fundraiser, which raised $615! Remember, February is Heart Health Month, so check out ways you can make your heart healthier! 

Magee Riverfront staff decked out in red

Take Action with AHA’s My Life Checks – Life’s Simple 7

1. Manage blood pressure – High Blood Pressure is a major risk factor for Heart Disease and Stroke. When your Blood Pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys, which keeps you healthier longer.
2. Control cholesterol – High Cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog Arteries and lead to Heart Disease and Stroke. When you control your Cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
3. Reduce blood sugar – Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of Blood Sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
4. Get active – Take the steps. Take a walk. Move throughout the day.
5. Eat better – A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting Cardiovascular Disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life! An active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.
6. Lose weight – When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your Blood Pressure and you help yourself feel better, too.
7. Stop smoking – Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

Learn more about the American Heart Association.

  

 

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