Southwest Medical CenterTo Host Red Shoe, Red Tie Event

Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans, according to the American Heart Association. And one of those risk factors is heart disease.

Southwest Medical Center would like to address that concern locally with the very first Red Shoe, Red Tie event.

“We all need to look at taking better care of ourselves,” said SWMC Vice President of Operations Michele Gillespie, “Living in such a fast paced society, we don’t always take the time we should to take care of our own needs. That is why at SWMC we have been working on various seminars in order to educate the community and help them in this endeavor.”

Gillespie is chairperson for the Red Shoe, Red Tie event planned in February – American Heart Month.

“Those who attend the event should be able to learn a number of important health tips,” Gillespie said, “including what a heart attack is, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, men vs women’s warning signs, if they are at risk for a heart attack and some habits to practice in order to help prevent a heart attack.”

The event will feature guest speaker Dr. Brandi Boller as well as a demonstration by the Perryton Promenadors.

“The Perryton Promenadors will illustrate that exercise – which is one of the vital factors to good health – can also be fun,” Gillespie said.

The ultimate goal of the event is to teach the importance of being proactive with your health.

“Early intervention is an absolute must to significantly reduce the negative outcomes of health problems,” Gillespie said. “Through the proper use of early intervention and education, alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, cholesterol levels and other health issues can be reduced.”

Southwest Medical Center will host the Red Shoe, Red Tie event at Seward County Community College February 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free to the community; however, reservations will be needed.

“We have limited seating available for this event and we will need reservations from those who would like to attend,” said SWMC Public Relations Director Nancy Kletecka, adding that the local healthcare facility is hopeful to continue this program in the future. “We hope this and other educational seminars we are looking at will become annual events, and that the community will take advantage of this opportunity to improve their health.”

According to the American Heart Association, currently, 1 in 3 Americans (36.9 percent) have some form of heart disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. By 2030, approximately 116 million people in the United States (40.5 percent) will have some form of cardiovascular disease, they said. The largest increases are anticipated in stroke (up 24.9 percent) and heart failure (up 25 percent).

Between 2010-30, the cost of medical care for heart disease (in 2008 dollar values) will rise from $273 billion to $818 billion, the Association predicts.

According to the American Heart Association:

–> · The cost of treating heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030, according to new projections from the American Heart Association.

–> · The $545 billion increase is due in part to an aging population.

–> · The skyrocketing financial burden makes it urgent to implement effective strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke.

–> · Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States that accounts for 17 percent of overall national health expenditures.

–> · Heart disease will also cost the nation billions more in lost productivity, increasing from an estimated $172 billion in 2010 to $276 billion in 2030. Productivity losses include days missed from home or work tasks because of illness and potential lost earnings due to premature death.

For more information and/or to reserve your seat at this event, contact Nancy Kletecka at 620-629-6335 or via email at [email protected]