The first event in the 2016 “Passport to Wellness” is “Go Red for Women” 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Champaign Family YMCA. This event is free and open to the public.
“Go Red for Women” is designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit of women. Attendees will receive information from area health providers on a variety of women’s health topics, including the evening’s featured presenter, Sue Berger, a certified nurse practitioner from the Mercy Chronic Care Clinic, who will speak on heart health.
Although February is the month designated for activities that raise awareness of healthy hearts and active lifestyles, the organizers of “Passport to Wellness” (The Champaign County Health District, Mercy Memorial Hospital and the Champaign Family YMCA) hope that everyone is aware of the problems related to the nation’s epidemic of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women, causing one in three deaths a year. In fact, heart disease takes the life of one woman every minute and kills more women than men in the United States. Heart disease kills more women than all kinds of cancer combined. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
In addition to offering free screenings such as blood pressure and body composition assessments, “Go Red for Women” will offer vendors who’ll address women’s needs and interests, along with a mini-fashion show; pampering services for a small fee, including massage, mini-manicures and mini-pedicures; and a make-up demo. New at this year’s Go Red: caricature cartoonist Steve Campbell will draw women’s faces for a nominal fee. Free refreshments will be provided, along with free group exercise classes (yoga and group cycling). The Y’s swimming pool will only be open to women during this time, so feel free to take a bathing suit and enjoy a swim or a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
This is the 13th year for “Go Red for Women,” a movement started by the American Heart Association to educate and empower women to take control of their health and lives. For additional information call the Champaign Family YMCA at 937-653-9622.
