Wear Red Day, traditionally the first Friday in February, has been celebrated nationally for over ten years. Its purpose is to alert women of all ages to the dangers of heart disease. CBHA, Othello Community Hospital and the Othello Nazarene Church are again hosting an educational event for women. Magali Garcia and Fay Coats with CBHA are coordinating the event. “We are so excited to be working together with Othello Community Hospital and the Nazarene Church to present this event on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Othello Nazarene Church,” said Garcia. “Othello’s Distinguished Young Women’s (DYW) court and 2017-2018 DYW candidates are helping us get the message out this year,” Coats said. “The DYW will be presenting heart health tips throughout the evening.”

Cardiac events and stroke cause one out of three female fatalities in the U.S. each year. However, heart attacks are not inevitable. Researchers estimate that 80 percent of cardiac events could be prevented with lifestyle choices and education. This national campaign focuses the importance of recognizing stroke as well as heart attack symptoms. “We will present brief demonstrations on how to do this during the program,” Garcia said. “Nurses from the clinic and hospital, plus a number of medical providers, will also be on hand to answer questions.” Blood pressures will be taken, Body Kneads will do five minute massages, and each participant will receive a gift and also be eligible for the drawings.

Eric Depew, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, is pleased to host this educational opportunity at his facility. “We enjoyed partnering with the clinic and hospital in the past. Heart disease is a very serious health concern among both men and women. However, woman’s symptoms are different than men’s and we want to raise awareness among women.” The event starts at 6:30 with appetizers. Participants are invited to come at that time, sample some goodies and browse through the booths before the program begins at 7 p.m. “The hospital dietary department, under the direction of Kay Hougan-Jones, will be providing the refreshments. They furnished the food at our last women’s workshop and we received excellent feedback. We are also encouraging women to wear red clothing to the event,” Coats concluded.