Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's 'Go Red For Women' Kicks Off

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is set to "Go Red For Women" and raise awareness about heart disease.

February is American Heart Month — and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign kicks off at the hospital.

With an eye toward educating about the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital will host a "Heart Health" open house on Friday, Feb. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the wellness classroom on the third floor.

Staff from the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation department will be available to answer questions and provide free heart health screenings, healthy food tastings, and more.

"When it comes to matters of the heart, women differ greatly from men. One in three women will die from cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death among females — in fact, more women die from heart disease than from all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease rates in younger women, aged 35 to 54, are increasing as well," the hospital said.

Unlike men, who tend to experience chest pain or pressure, symptoms of heart disease in women include feeling a burning sensation — not just in the chest, but in the neck, back, arms or abdomen — lightheadedness, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and possible anxiety, the hospital said.

Those experiencing the symptoms described are urged to call 911 immediately.

"The positive side of heart disease for both men and women is that it can be prevented, and risk factors can be reduced," the hospital said.

Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day, or 150 minutes per week, can greatly reduce a person’s risk, as does eating a heart-healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, and staying away from processed foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and refined carbohydrates; managing stress is also important, the hospital said.

A wide array of programs and services to help reduce heart disease risk will be available throughout the month through The Ed & Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute.

“Nourishing A Healthy Heart,” a free nutritional workshop that focuses on maintaining a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, will take place Monday, Feb. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the wellness classroom on the third floor.

Yoga, meditation, and tai chi classes, as well as massage, acupuncture, and reiki therapies, are available as well and can offer great stress-relieving benefits.

Call (631) 726-8800 or click here for additional information.

“It’s important to know the risks and symptoms associated with heart disease, and to take action to reduce them,” said Jessica Swiatocha, MSN, FNP-BC, manager of wellness services and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

“People who are at risk for heart disease benefit from a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program, which we offer at the hospital," she said. "Studies show that only 25 percent of eligible patients participate — however, cardiac rehab participation is associated with a markedly reduced risk of re-hospitalization as well as enhanced quality and quantity of life.”

Call (631) 726-8620 for more information.