Donna Ringwald, Shelly Rosenmiller and Kathy Williams are three friends with one thing they wish they didn’t have in common — heart disease. They represent various forms of a disease that claims the lives of more women than any other. A disease they didn’t believe they were at risk for.
There are nearly twice as many women in the United States who die from heart disease and stroke than from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
At age 49, Donna ignored her heart attack symptoms for 27 hours before going to the hospital and getting three stents. A virus attacked Kathy’s heart several years ago, leaving her at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Shelly was diagnosed at age 32 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickened heart muscle that also puts her at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
To help educate women about their number one health risk, the SSM Heart Institute is hosting two “Her Heart: Every Beat Counts” education and screening days at two locations in February. The programs are open to the public and free to attend. They feature physician speakers, “Heart-Smart Stations,” drawings, gifts, and free lunch.
Donna, Shelly and Kathy will share their personal experiences with heart disease and how it changed their lives.
The first event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at The Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, 1410 South Fifth Street in St. Charles.
The second event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at Orlando Gardens Banquet Center, 8352 Watson Road in Webster Groves.
Both events will feature SSM Heart Institute physicians speaking on:
“Keeping Your Heart in Rhythm”
“Diabetes, Weight and Your Heart”
“Is it Indigestion or a Heart Attack?”
Physician speakers include Dr. Elie Azrak, Dr. Christopher Bauer, Dr. David Kardesch, Dr. John Mohart, Dr. Anish Thomas and Dr. Ali Ziaee.
Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions following each presentation and visit informational booths on topics ranging from diabetes and nutrition to chest pain and cardiac catheterization. Blood pressure, body fat, cholesterol and glucose screenings will be offered. There is a $10 fee for the fasting cholesterol and glucose test and appointments are required.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet Greg Hewitt during live broadcasts with KLOU Oldies 103.3, a sponsor of the events.
For more information or to register and schedule a screening time, call 1-866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627) or visit ssmhealth.com/heart.