As the leading cause of death among women, heart disease can pose a severe risk to many who may not be aware of warning signs and prevention methods.
On Feb. 2, the College of Education and Health Professions joined the American Heart Association for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for heart disease among women and share tips on boosting heart health. Several major healthcare organizations nationwide also recognize the entire month of February as American Heart Month.
Members of the college’s faculty, students and staff across various programs and departments dressed in their favorite red attire and attended a panel organized and hosted by Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Executive Director Jessie Casida.
Previously, Casida worked as an advanced practice nurse in cardiac surgery critical care, advanced heart failure and transplantation. He said the inspiration to craft the event struck during a meeting with Dean Kate Mamiseishvili, who happened to be wearing a red dress at the time.
“National Wear Red Day is a profound reminder for me that, as healthcare professionals, we have come a long way in recognizing the unique aspects of women’s heart disease through early diagnosis, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, and, more importantly, recognizing symptoms of heart-attack specific to women, all of which have helped reduce deaths,” Casida said.
“Still, like what was discussed at the panel, more work is needed for women and society to be proactive and cognizant in managing risk factors of heart disease,” he added.
Casida was supported on the panel by Counseling, Leadership and Research Methods Department Head Kristin Higgins, nursing instructors Jeanice Ball and Emily Goucher, and professor of exercise science Josh McGee. Together, the five panelists took turns speaking to different aspects of heart health and the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Those in attendance received advice on the benefits of taking micro-breaks, the importance of regular exercise, simple ways to limit stress, the risks and complications that pregnancy and menopause can pose for the heart, and warning signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to heart failure.
The panelists fielded questions relating to heart health research and the best practices for putting oneself on the track toward living a heart-healthy lifestyle. McGee, who focused on sharing the benefits of an active lifestyle to heart health, emphasized making smart decisions and prioritizing one’s heart.
“You have to be selfish about your heart,” he remarked to the crowd gathered in Gearhart Hall. “At the end of the day, who else is going to be selfish about it.”
