St. Catherine Hospital Brings The Heart Truth Campaign to East Chicago During National Wear Red Day Observance 2017

St. Catherine Hospital Brings The Heart Truth Campaign to East Chicago During National Wear Red Day Observance 2017

To raise awareness that heart disease is the number one health threat among women, St. Catherine Hospital is partnering on Friday, Feb. 3, with Multicultural Wellness Network/MOTTEP and Healthy East Chicago to host The Heart Truth® campaign.

The 6th annual campaign will feature an information fair and a Heart Healthy Cooking Demonstration by Kimberly Davis, a Purdue University Nutrition Education Program educator on the SNAP-Ed initiative. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP is the federally-funded program that offers nutrition assistance to income eligible individuals and families and nutrition education in communities.

The free event coincides with National Wear Red Day and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Professional Office Building of St. Catherine Hospital, 4321 Fir St., East Chicago. Davis’ culinary demonstration and talk begins at 12 pm. A variety of vendors and wellness providers as well as medical professionals in family medicine and cardiology will be showcased as part of the information fair.

“The Heart Truth event is a great way to reach out to women in our community, and help them understand their own personal risks for heart disease,” said Khisha Anderson, a community outreach specialist, St. Catherine Hospital. “By joining together, we can raise awareness locally about heart disease, healthy eating habits and steps to keep women in good health."

Shelia George, executive director of Multicultural Wellness Network, said many individuals living in the region struggle with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and health issues related to smoking. “Not everyone is aware these issues are the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and these risks can be controlled or eliminated with lifestyle changes.” she said.

As a part of The Heart Truth awareness campaign, St. Catherine Hospital and its partners are asking the community to wear red to support “National Wear Red Day.” Businesses, agencies and organizations can also set up heart health and window displays to coincide with the day’s events.

“Last year, more than 30 businesses and agencies participated in this important event,” Anderson said.

To register for the information fair and cooking demonstration of Italian bean soup and spinach salad with feta cheese, call 219-397-6863. The first 25 pre-registered attendees get a special gift.

To learn more about participating in The Heart Truth display, call 219-392-7135.