This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

HOSPITAL GETS TO HEART OF THE MATTER WITH FREE 'GO RED' AWARENESS LUNCHEON ON FEB. 14

Summa Western Reserve Hospital to host free "Go Red for Women" luncheon for heart disease awareness on Thursday, February 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Summa Western Reserve Hospital, in conjunction with the American Heart Association, Summa Cardiovascular Institute and Summa Womens’ Health Services, will host a free “Go Red for Women” luncheon for heart disease awareness on Thursday, February 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will take place in the hospital’s auditorium located at 1900 23rd St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

Dr. Eric Espinal, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Summa Western Reserve Hospital will keynote the luncheon with a special presentation at 12 p.m. entitled, “What’s Your Sign.” Registered guests can learn about risk factors and prevention guidelines associated with heart disease in women including how to develop (and stick to) a personal wellness plan. The event will also feature a variety of local vendors and door prizes.

Each year, heart disease kills one in three women according to the American Heart Association - that’s approximately one woman every minute. Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. The disease does not affect all women the same way and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as they are for men. Heart disease affects women of all ages, across all lifestyles. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent.  Overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can cause plaque to accumulate and lead to clogged arteries later in life and contribute to heart disease. Even those who lead a completely healthy lifestyle may still be at risk due to an underlying heart condition passed on at birth. The American Heart Association recommends all women start getting their cholesterol checked at age 20 – even earlier if there is a history of heart disease among family.

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Many perceive chest pains as the tell-tale sign of heart disease; however here are a few symptoms every woman should watch out for:
• shortness of breath
• nausea/vomiting
• back or jaw pain.
• dizziness
•  lightheadedness or fainting
• pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• extreme fatigue.

Seating for the February 14th ‘Go Red for Women’ luncheon is limited. Those who would like to attend must RSVP by February 7th to Kathy Romito, (330) 971-7408, romitoks@summahealth.org. All are encouraged to wear red.

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Cuyahoga Falls