Go Red For Women Chicago Chapter Plans Big Event
There has been a flurry of activity lately, as we worked with our contacts to design and finalize the invitation for Chicago’s annual Go Red For Women event—a breakfast, town hall meeting, and luncheon on February 25, 2011. The gathering will take place at the Palmer House Hilton from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes health exhibits, a “pursonality auction” and networking.
We think the invitation came out great. There was a basic design issued by the national Go Red For Women organization but we had some license to interpret and enhance it. We got rave reviews on the way we addressed a couple of the design elements and I can’t wait to see the printed version. Previously, Affinity Express designed the “save-the-date” card that was sent out. In terms of other Go Red news, we learned that there is a free, 12-week online course that focuses on improving women’s heart health in which anyone can participate (www.goredforwomen.org/betteru). The Kane/DuPage County Go Red For Women Campaign is looking for women to take part in this course and blog about their experiences on their journey to a heart-healthy life. If you are interested, let me know and I’ll provide you with the official application.
We are also gearing up for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 4th. Each year on the first Friday in February, thousands of hospitals, small businesses, multinational corporations, news broadcasters, schools, individuals and even landmarks “go red” to help raise awareness and funds in the fight against heart disease in women. Affinity Express encourages you to wear red on February 4th and show your support! We’re going to photograph team members wearing red in all our offices, as part of our international awareness effort.
Last year, Chicago was the largest and most successful Go Red chapter nationally and is working to achieve the same recognition and even higher levels of funding. If your business is interested in contributing (as well as establishing visibility in the Chicagoland area), please let me know. There are a range of options that provide different levels of recognition in advertisements, printed materials and at upcoming events.
In the meantime, why not take the quiz below to see whether you have one or more risk factors for heart disease and learn where to focus your efforts to reduce your risk? Then work with your healthcare provider to reduce, control or prevent as many as you can. You'll be glad you did and so will your loved ones.
___ Age and Gender. I am a woman over 50 years old.
___ Family History. My father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, OR my mother or sister had one before age 65, OR my mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent had a stroke.
___ Heart Disease Medical History. I have coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation or other heart condition(s), OR I've had a heart attack.
___ Stroke Medical History. I've been told that I have carotid artery disease, OR I've had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), OR I have a disease of the leg arteries, a high red blood cell count or sickle cell anemia.
___ Blood Pressure. My blood pressure is 140/90mm Hg or higher (high blood pressure), OR a health professional has said my blood pressure is high, OR I need drugs to control my blood pressure, OR I don't know what my blood pressure is, OR my blood pressure is 120-139/80-89 mm Hg (considered pre-hypertensive).
___ Tobacco Smoke. I smoke OR I live or work with people who smoke tobacco regularly.
___ Total Blood Cholesterol. My total blood cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher, OR I need drugs to lower my blood cholesterol level, OR I don't know my level.
___ HDL Cholesterol. My HDL ("good") cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, OR I don't know my HDL cholesterol level.
___ Physical Activity. I get less than a total of 30 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity on 5 days of the week.
___ Overweight. I am 20 pounds or more overweight for my height and build.
___ Diabetes. I have diabetes (a fasting blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or higher), OR I need medicine to control my blood sugar, OR I have been told I have an impaired ability to control my blood sugar (a fasting blood sugar reading greater than 100 mg/dL).
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