Thursday, January 31, 2013

February 1st Is National Wear Red for Women Day

"Make it your mission to fight heart disease” 
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the American Heart Association (AHA) on Friday, February 1st, in its nationwide campaign “Go Red for Women” to encourage awareness and support of women and heart disease. “Go Red” challenges women to know their risks for heart disease and to take action. Anyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, scarf, tie or Red Dress pin.    
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year – that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.  High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans (49%) have at least one of these three risk factors.  Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including diabetes, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.
MCDH has scheduled cholesterol screenings in February. Appointments can be made for the following dates/locations –
Sat. 2/9, 9a-11:30a; Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd St (815-334-4536)
Fri. 2/15, 9:30a-11:30a; Higgins-Diggins Library, 900 E McKinley St, Harvard (815-943-4671)
Sat. 2/23, 8a-11a; MCDH, 100 N Virginia Street, Crystal Lake (815-334-4536)
The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure and cardiovascular education.  The cost is $35.
Show your commitment to improving health and saving lives. Wear Red on February 1st. For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.goredforwomen.org
 

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