Making healthy choices can lead to a happier life and a healthier heart.
This was the overall message of the Heart Truth® Wear Red celebration at Hammond’s Dynasty Banquets. Guests adorned in red dresses and suits were treated to a wonderful night of dinner, dancing, door prizes, and a fashion show. Community partners Healthy East Chicago, Multicultural Wellness Network and St. Catherine Hospital brought together “Ladies in Red” to celebrate National Wear Red Day and raise awareness within the community regarding heart health in women.
“Today’s event is meant to both educate and entertain,” said Joy L. Berry, Executive Director of Healthy East Chicago. “I’m excited to be here tonight to see who comes out and to see the ladies in the show.”
A fashion boutique set up shop with extravagant jewelry and clothing for the guests to browse and purchase. In addition, professionals from Community Healthcare System staffed a mini health expo with brochures and information detailing the risk factors of heart disease and ways to address those risks.
“I’m glad that people came out to support us and learn how heart disease affects us as women,” said Shelia George, Executive Director of the Multicultural Wellness Network.
“This event is a great way to bring together people we work with in the community,” said Khisha Anderson, Community Outreach Specialist for St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. “It’s really important that women learn to take better care of themselves, so this event is a fun way to keep that message going.”
Jackie Primos, owner of Wellness & Retreats, Inc., was the keynote presenter. Her main topic was the “matters of the heart,” giving the audience some simple advice on how to rejuvenate the body and soul. These were: 1) drink more water, 2) eat well, 3) engage in at least 30 minutes of activity a day, 4) sleep, 5) remove outside interferences like electronics, and 6) get good quality supplements and vitamins.
“My goal is to inspire people to make healthy change,” said Primos. “Always spend quality time with quality people and take responsibility for your health.”
After a delicious dinner, the ladies took center stage and dazzled the crowd wearing various dresses in different shades of reds. Once the fashion show concluded, the guests enjoyed the rest of the night with laughter and dancing.
“An event like this brings everyone together to support a good cause,” said Debra Gruszecki Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for St. Catherine Hospital. “I love this community. It warms my heart to be here and promote health.”
This event was a precursor for St. Catherine Hospital’s upcoming, free heart-related events during the week of February 10.
The Heart Health Fair is from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Feb. 11, and features interactive displays and free health screenings. Cardiac Wellness Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, offers an energizing exercise class, heart health bingo and a light lunch presentation on heart health by Jessica Rayner, Nurse Practitioner. Registration is required for Cardiac Wellness Day at 219-836-3477.
To learn more about the Community Healthcare System, please visit www.comhs.org.