The month of February is well known for being the month of love as Valentine’s Day falls on the 14th. While many people boast about affection and gift giving during this month, Ross Medical Education Center in Evansville, Indiana wanted to encourage awareness for Heart Health, as February is also the time that the United States observes American Heart Month. Students at the Evansville campus wore red on February 5th for National Wear Red Day to show their support in the fight against heart disease, especially among women. According to the American Heart Association, one in three women die of heart disease.
In fact, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the United States. In 2013, heart disease took the lives of over 610,000 Americans. That means that heart disease is responsible for one in every four deaths. Furthermore, a heart attack occurs every 43 seconds in the United States!
The American Heart Association suggests several ways to help prevent heart disease. Practicing healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, and keeping stress levels low are just a few ways that can help. To encourage fitness and further inform students, Ross Medical Education Center in Evansville brought in the owner and trainer of Bob’s Gym and Fitness Center, Tony Maslan. Tony stated that exercising does not have to be expensive – there are easy exercises that can be done at home such as squats, lunges, and even simply walking around the neighborhood. Although these things are easy, they can be very beneficial.
Additionally, Tony talked about the importance of moderation in diets. While it is understandably difficult for people to follow a strict dieting regime, he suggests enjoying foods such as sweets in moderation. If a cheat day occurs, it’s important to not dwell on it but instead do your best to make up for it the following day. He handed out vouchers to the students to redeem for one free week at Bob’s Gym, which includes four sessions with a personalized trainer as well as a personalized exercise plan.
For the month of February, to continue encouraging fitness, health, and the prevention of heart disease, the Evansville campus is holding a Biggest Loser competition among the staff and students at Ross. Every Monday, participants step on a scale to monitor their weight loss. At the end of the month, the participant who loses the highest percentage of weight wins.
For more information on heart health, ways to prevent heart disease, and National Wear Red Day, check out the Go Red for Women Facebook page or their website at www.goredforwomen.org.