Inland Empire Goes Red for the Heart
February is Heart Month – Inland Empire Goes Red for the Heart on National Wear Red Day Feb. 7
Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killers in the United States, claiming more than 830,000 lives each year. In Riverside County, one out of four people will die of heart disease. San Bernardino County has the third highest rate of heart disease in California.
The good news is that heart disease may be prevented if you make the right lifestyle choices. The American Heart Association (AHA) believes that small changes can make a big difference when it comes to heart and brain health.
As Heart Month approaches, there are several ways to get involved and get heart healthy.
Babies Go Red on National Wear Red Day
Newborns in San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland and Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta will receive red beanies – instead of the traditional pink or blue – this February in honor of National Wear Red Day. The red beanies were knitted by the Janet Goeske Foundation’s Happy Hookers knit and crochet group and donated by AHA volunteers Steve and Cathy Kienle. Inland Empire residents are encouraged to Go Red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 7, to spread the message that heart disease is the biggest health threat for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Men are also encouraged to wear red in support of the women in their lives. More information can be found at www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay.
Go Red For Women Luncheon
The Go Red For Women movement celebrates 10 years of inspiring, empowering and saving lives at the Go Red For Women Luncheon on Feb. 27, 2014 at Crestmore Manor in Jurupa Valley. Go Red For Women has been impacting the health of women for 10 years. Since 2004 more than 627,000 women have been saved from cardiovascular disease and 330 fewer women are dying per day. The half-day event features motivational speakers, educational breakout sessions, an informational health expo and a heart-healthy luncheon. For tickets or table sponsorship, visit www.IEGoredLuncheon.org.
High Desert Go Red Shuffle
Families are invited to celebrate heart health at the Go Red Shuffle on Feb. 22, 2014 at Victor Valley Mall in Victorville. The family affair includes a fitness mall walk, a fun dance shuffle, free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings, survivor fashion show, educational booths and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.IEGoRedLuncheon.org.
Seven Simple Steps to a Healthy Heart
Going Red is much more than wearing red. It is also about living a longer, stronger, healthier life and encouraging those around you to do the same. The AHA recommends seven simple steps to keep your heart and brain healthy:
- Eat healthy
- Stay active
- Don’t smoke
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get your blood pressure under control
- Keep your cholesterol levels at a healthy range
- Manage your blood sugar
The American Heart Association’s mission is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Its goal by 2020 is to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent. For more information and resources on heart and brain health, go to www.heart.org or call your local American Heart Association at (310) 424-4160.
