January 26, 2007

Helping women have healthy hearts

During the month of February, the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center will continue the fight against heart disease — the number one killer of women in the United States — by offering several educational activities to raise awareness about heart disease risks and prevention. These efforts coincide with American Heart Month, which will be recognized across the nation to promote heart health for women.

The month will begin with a series of heart-healthy activities held in conjunction with the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. The hospital will kick-off the campaign Feb. 2, when all MGHers are encouraged to wear red clothing in honor of National Wear Red Day. A variety of other events will be held Feb. 5 through 9, including free health screenings, a "lunch and learn" talk and a healthy cooking demonstration. See the schedule of events below.

On Feb. 16 at the Prudential Center, the MGH Heart Center will serve as the official hospital sponsor of the National Woman's Heart Day Health Fair organized by the nonprofit organization Sister-to-Sister. There, participants will be able to visit interactive exhibits, learn about heart disease risks and prevention and receive free screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure.

Also in February, the center will formally launch its new Women's Heart Health Program, which focuses on all aspects of women's heart care, from prevention to early detection to treatment. "This program was designed to offer tailored care to women in a convenient, friendly environment," says center cardiologist Malissa Wood, MD, who helped create the comprehensive program with Jennifer Walker, MD, a cardiac surgeon also with the center.

For more information about the MGH Heart Center or any of the women's heart health activities, contact Kathleen Gallen, RN, at (617) 643-2293.
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"Go Red for Women"schedule of activities

Feb. 5: MGHers can to pick up an official free "Go Red" pedometer, which will be available from 10 am to 2 pm in the Main Corridor. Participants are invited to track their steps and e-mail the results Feb. 9 to mghgored@partners.org. The employee with the highest number of steps taken will be announced Feb. 12 and will receive an iPod Shuffle.

Feb. 6: "Heart Disease: Bringing Women to the Table" lunch and discussion at noon in the Burr Conference Rooms. Nandita Scott, MD, an MGH cardiologist, will discuss how women can take control of their health. Lunch will be served.

Feb. 7: Education and screening day from 10 am to 2 pm in the Warren Lobby. Free blood pressure screenings will be offered and information about cholesterol, blood glucose, exercise and healthy eating will be available.

Feb. 8: Healthy cooking demonstration at 11:30 am in the East Garden Room.
For more information about American Heart Month activities, contact Kathleen Gallen, RN, at (617) 643-2293.

The MGH "Go Red" team, from left, Malissa Wood, MD; Kate Traynor, RN; Jennifer Walker, MD; and Stephanie Moore, MD