DUBOIS – Preventing heart disease can be fun and energizing, according to Judi Withers, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at DuBois Regional Medical Center.
That is why two key programs of DuBois Regional Medical Center, The Heart Center and The Women’s Center of DuBois are hosting “Day of Dance for Cardiovascular Health” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at the DuBois Mall.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Regular exercise is one of the ways to combat this killer, and dancing is great exercise.
At “Day of Dance,” women and their friends and families are invited to come out to watch dance demonstrations and DRMC is leaving enough room for guests to try the dances themselves with instruction from the many dance groups participating.
Music will be provided by deejay Steve Pompeii, a heart transplant recipient.
DRMC Chef Marla Serziega will demonstrate heart-healthy cooking throughout the day. Twenty DRMC departments will be on-hand to offer information and, in some cases, free screenings or coupons for free screenings. (Displays will be in the area from Ross’s to Big Lots and from Gardener’s Candies to Kay Jeweler’s.)
DRMC hospital staff and physicians will be on-hand to meet with guests, and every woman who attends Day of Dance and registers will receive a complimentary goodie bag with the latest edition of “Spirit” magazine and other gifts.
What does dancing have to do with heart health? A study released by the American Heart Association explored the benefits of dance and found it to be as effective as bicycle/treadmill training. Dancing also gives the added benefits of relaxation and the sense of well being that come with moving to the rhythms of music. What better to way to exercise for a healthy heart?
“Day of Dance” is a national event, and similar events will be held across the United States in more than 50 cities. This event was begun by the Spirit of Women Hospital Network members and is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DRMC became part of the Spirit of Women Network in 2006, and is one of two Pennsylvania Hospitals participating.
Corporate sponsors include “Good Housekeeping” magazine and Brystol Meyers & Co. and several other healthcare companies.
“Day of Dance” is also a part of the “Red Shoe for Action” campaign, which encourages heart health all year long.
“Having fun and being healthy don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We hope women will bring their friends and join us at the mall for Day of Dance 2007,” said Withers.
“Our goal is that women will have fun, enjoy the dancing performances, maybe try a strep or two themselves and leave with a better understanding of how to prevent heart disease and end up healthier and happier! The Heart Center and The Women’s Center of DuBois will be there to help along the way”