Ladies in Pink Go Red For A Day

Heart disease, the number one killer of women, takes one woman’s life every minute of every day. 

It is an important message the American Heart Association has been fervently working to broadcast because research has proven effective communication saves lives. 

Considered the silent killer, heart disease most often presents barely noticeable pain and is deadly when it strikes. It is 35 percent more likely to affect women of African American heritage and has largely been overshadowed by breast cancer, another dangerous yet higher profile disease.

To assist in raising the profile about the prevalence of heart disease in African American women, this weekend the ladies of , Inc.—Chi Sigma Omega Chapter, hosted a seminar.

On Friday evening, women from Bolingbrook and surrounding communities gathered at for a free fitness analysis, health information presentation, question-and-answer period, and an opportunity to engage in exercise.

"Our Supreme Basileus (President) Carolyn House Stewart encouraged all chapters to support a partnership our national organization formed with the American Heart Association for Friday, Feb. 3 which was National Wear Red Day,” says Romelda Jordan, AKA program chair. “Our sorority colors are pink and green and we added a different spin asking everyone to go red for a day in recognition of cardiovascular health.”

Jordan said obesity, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, and lack of information  contribute to increased risk factors for women of color.

"Our goal was to bring in professionals that could help in the recognition and management of risk factors associated with the heart disease," she said.

Of immediate concern are African American cultural norms such as diets that are fried and high in cholesterol as well as reluctance to engage in physical activity.

“Why it may ‘seem’ like we don’t want to exercise should be the focus of a study,” chuckles Carolyn Smith. “So many of us do, but the sweat factor is a really big deal. We spend hours and about $60 per visit in the shop getting our hair done. That one hour of exercise (and the sweat it produces) is going to make us spend another two hours getting our hair back together and it won’t look anything like it looked when you left the shop. Who has that kind of time?”

assisted with getting the word out by dispatching registered nurse Jo Kaleel to offer a presentation about the importance of recognizing and managing risk factors.

“Minority women should consider risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Genetic predisposition, family history of high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes all play a role,” Kaleel said. “Recognizing these risk factors helps in planning a course of action to integrate healthy lifestyle changes.”

Above all, Kaleel stressed that communication is the key to managing heart disease. Developing a partnership with health care professionals as well as becoming an active participant in self care can save a woman’s life.

Michelle Jackson of 2xtreme Fitness agreed.

“We are always reaching out to the community," she said. "You will see us everywhere talking about the benefits of exercise. It is one of the best things a woman can do for herself and her family. We can all exercise and work toward making heart-smart changes. After all exercise does so much more than just make you look good. It strengthens your heart and gives you a longer, better life.”

American Heart Associations List of Life’s Simple 7:

1. Don’t smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products.
2. Keep a healthy body weight (body mass index less than
   25kg/m).
3. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical
   activity or 75 minutes if vigorous-intensity activity (or a combination) each
   week.
4. Eat a healthy diet consistent with current recommendation from the American Heart Association.
5. Keep total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL.
6. Keep blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg.
7. Keep fasting blood glucose less than 100 mg/dL.