Sarah Bush Lincoln will host the second annual “Who Has Your Heart” women’s night out event from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday, January 31, at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA. The event will include keynote speakers, healthy appetizers and drinks, plus informational and demonstration booths related to heart health.
Speakers this year include Charleston resident Jana Johnson, who will share her heart event story and her road to recovery. Sarah Bush Lincoln Diabetic Educator Paula Enstrom, R.N., will discuss the connection between diabetes and heart disease and what women can do to decrease their risks of developing these diseases.
Enstrom said, “Nearly two-thirds of people with diabetes have high blood pressure and people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease or have a stroke than people who don't have the condition, so that’s why this topic is so incredibly important for people to understand.”
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease causes one in three women’s deaths each year and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women and. men, and are often misunderstood.
Getting active, controlling your cholesterol, diet and weight, stopping smoking, managing blood pressure and blood sugar are ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.
“Who Has Your Heart” will provide information on these key areas as well as cooking and fitness demonstrations. Representatives from SBL’s Heart Center, Sleep Disorders Center, Wellness, Food and Nutrition Services and The Center for Healthy Living will be on hand to answer questions. The Charleston Park and Rec Department and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program will also be available for questions. In addition, the event will include free massages, food, drinks, blood pressure checks and door prizes.
The event is free and registration is required. Space is limited and seats fill up fast. Register online at www.sarahbush.org or call 217-258-2420.