SVH Supports “American Heart Month” With Community Education Programs

January 23, 2015

If you visit Sonoma Valley Hospital on February 6, expect to see red. Hospital staff will be participating in “National Wear Red Day,” an annual effort held each February. It is sponsored by the American Heart Association as part of “American Heart Month” to educate women about the risk of heart disease and stroke. and encourage heart healthy practices for everyone.

According to Dawn Kuwahara, SVH Director of Ancillary Services, the American Heart Association reminds people that heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the nation, ahead of even cancer. And one in three women dies from heart disease and stroke each year.

“We want to raise awareness that heart disease is not just a male issue,” Kuwahara said. “It’s a serious problem for women, but with education and lifestyle changes, it can usually be prevented.” She said that women can learn more at goredforwomen.org.

During February, the Hospital has planned a speaker series, open to the community, to raise awareness about heart disease and its prevention. Topics planned for the series include:

Thursday, February 12 – “Smoking Cessation” – Cheryl Van Paris, RT will discuss how smoking affects the heart and lungs and offer some tools and resources to aide in the cessation of smoking.

Thursday, February 19 – “Heart Healthy Eating” – Allison Evanson, MS, RD, will discuss how a healthy diet can help prevent heart disease by establishing good habits and a home environment that promotes lifelong healthy eating.

Thursday, February 26 – “Let’s Move” – Physical Therapists Christina Cary and Julius Rivera will lead an exercise class that will teach strategies to implement a healthy exercise program. Getting some regular, daily exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease.

All talks will be held in the Hospital’s Basement Conference Room, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. There is no charge to attend, for more information please call 707-935-5257, or send an email to ckrusedelarosa@sonomavalleyhospital.org