Know the risks of heart disease

Katrina Riggin, coordinator

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Ball Memorial Hospital

What is the Wear Red Campaign?

The American Heart Association initiated the National Go Red for Women Campaign to educate the public on the very real risks of heart disease in women. Historically, heart disease was recognized as a man’s disease, even though heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. This very special campaign incorporates educational information and donation opportunity from both corporate and private entities.

Why is it important to me?

Go Red for Women celebrates the energy, passion, and power of everyone to work together and modify lifestyles to decrease the incidence of heart disease. Everyone needs to support this effort that empowers women with knowledge and tools to take positive steps to protect their heart health. Each day I interact with women and their families in the Cardiopulmonary rehab unit at Ball Memorial Hospital that have been impacted by a cardiac event. The common thread that we all share is that we hope to help others in prevention of these events in the future. 

What is going on locally at Ball Memorial Hospital?

Ball Memorial Hospital is proud to participate in the many American Heart Association campaigns and events, including Go Red for Women. We have asked all employees to wear red on Friday, February 2. The cardiac care professionals will also be giving out educational materials and informing people about the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of heart disease in women. BMH also offers many educational classes and a support groups year round that help educate individuals and family members on topics such as stress management, dietary instruction, medications, and exercise.

How do I sign up for one of those classes?

You can learn more about classes offered locally at BMH by calling (765) 747-3773 or going to www.accesschs.org.

What else can I do?

Go Red for Women is more than a one day effort towards prevention of heart disease in women. It is the realization that according to the American Heart Association, 1 in every 2.5 women will die of heart disease compared with 1 in 30 for breast cancer. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke claims twice as many women’s lives as all forms of cancer. It is the reality that someone you love is at risk of a heart attack or stroke and you need to educate them on the healthy ways of loving their heart.

Katrina Riggin is coordinator, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Ball Memorial Hospital. For more information call (765) 751-2529 send an email to info@chsmail.org or log on to accesschs.org

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