February is American Heart Month and during this time of emphasis it is important to bring awareness to the seriousness of this disease.
This month, local organizations will host events to remind people of the dangers of heart disease.
These are helpful and informative events that everyone should be concerned with, especially women and children.
“More women die from heart disease than from the other four leading causes of death, including all cancers. More children die of congenital heart defects than all three childhood cancers combined,” said Michelle Alloway, division director of the American Heart Association Great Rivers Affiliate. “Unless it happens to someone personally, they don’t think about it.”
Alloway’s comparisons will surprise many people and remind us why holding these events and spreading information about the disease is so important.
There are many events coming up and we would encourage people who are affected or have family or friends who have been affected to come out and learn about the disease.
On Thursday, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Alpha Theta Chapter had a luncheon and fashion show where proceeds from the event went to the American Heart Association.
On Sunday, the Heart Institute at The Medical Center will have a reunion for former heart patients from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Rockin’ B Horse and Carriage Rides will have carriage rides downtown from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays throughout the month. Twenty percent of the proceeds will benefit Mended Little Hearts of Bowling Green, which is part of a nationwide group that provides support for families and caregivers of children with congenital heart defects.
We are hopeful that people will come out and participate in these events. Heart disease is very serious and learning how to prevent it or to live with it for those who already have the disease can be a lifesaving step.
It all starts with good information and awareness.
