Boomers & Beyond: Go red for women

Think February, think Valentines and the color red-- but that’s not all those hearts and red signify, it’s American Heart Month.

“People were not aware that women actually at a higher risk of dying of heart disease than men," explains Jessica Silva.  "The Go Red event is our luncheon that’s going to be held on February 7^th and the 8^th.  People can come in about 10:30 in the morning and find out more information about heart disease and awareness for the disease process and things they can do to prevent having heart disease and heart attacks.  And then they can have a very informative lunch with a couple of our doctors speaking."

As the Go Red Luncheon organizer, Jessica reminds us that symptoms of heart attack for women may vary.

“We’ve had women come in with pain between their shoulder blades, very sure that they were just having really horrible heartburn and they just can’t do anything to get rid of it and a lot of times, a sense of anxiety or panic that they just can’t quite catch up, shortness of breath, just a general sense of being sick and not knowing why.”

We must remember: taking action on our part is an important part of the equation.

“We’re trying to really educate the community about not walking themselves in when they think they are having a heart attack," explains Julie Shayne.  "They need to call 911 because there are so many things-- they will have access to treatment immediately if they call 911.  Things can happen between the house or wherever they are at and the hospital and the EMS is completely equipped to take care of you.”

Jessica, along with Julie Shayne, next years luncheon coordinator and chest pain clinic coordinator, says there’s many pre-lunch activities, screenings, information and lots of fun.

“That’s why we try to take it light and we have this dress-up place where you can take pictures of your friends with a red dress because we want to show that laughter is a very important part and it’s one of the ways you can decrease your risk of heart disease,” Shayne said.

Food served at the luncheon?  Healthy and delicious.  Speakers? Awesome!  Be sure and wear some red!

“The lunch is going to cost ten dollars," said Silva.  "Everything else is free of charge for just picking up the information and being able to come through and get educated.”

Cath Lab RN, Bob Shayne is proud of St. Mary’s newly remodeled cath lab.

“This lab is dedicated primarily to the services of electrophysiology, especially with the implant devices," said Bob Shayne.  "It gives us a much better handle on the environment.  So, the service to the community is that we have a very low infection rate and that’s a huge deal, especially with the device implants.”

Highly qualified and caring medical staff – technology and equipment -  making strides in the fight against heart disease. Listening to these three, makes you feel like your heart is in good hands.  February is all about matters of the heart and don’t forget yours. 

St. Mary’s Go Red for Women Luncheon, February 7th and 8th For tickets and information, call 970-298-7454 – coordinated by St. Mary’s Red Dress Luncheon Committee with organizers Cathy Roberts and Querita Bennett.