Posted in Community Outreach, Health & Wellness on February 19, 2015

A brave group of Elk & Elk employees faced the frigid temperatures last Friday for the American Heart Association’s 2015 Go Red for Women Health Expo and Luncheon. Attendees participated in free health screenings, enjoyed hands-on interactive displays, and heard “stories of the heart” from local survivors.

The annual social and educational event is designed to create a conversation around cardiovascular disease and empower women throughout the Cleveland Area to become champions of their health. Go Red for Women raises awareness, as well as funds, to combat the No.1 killer of women: cardiovascular disease. More than 1,000 guests attended the luncheon, including many prominent business executives, community leaders and healthcare professionals.

Check out our photo album from the event on Facebook!

Prevent Heart Disease

More women than men are affected by heart disease. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac problems can be prevented through healthy living. Attendees learned these valuable strategies to prevent heart disease:

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco
• Be physically active
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get enough quality sleep
• Get regular health screenings
• Know your family history

Heart Attack Signs in Women

For both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are somewhat more likely experience other symptoms. Heart attack signs may include:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

A record $1 million was raised at this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon and Health Expo, money that will go towards heart and stroke research. Elk & Elk is proud to have sponsored such an important event. Still want to get involved during American Heart Month? Visit www.goredforwomen.org to donate to the fight against heart disease and stroke in women!