To raise awareness among local women that heart disease is their #1 health threat, Kona Community Hospital will organize a “We Care to Wear Red” day for all of the employees of the hospital. The event will take place on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 4 and will illustrate the support that the hospital has in regards to heart health awareness. A photo opportunity is scheduled for 11 a.m. in front of the Administration building.
According to Marcy Rogers, KCH Director of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, “Our hospital event is a great opportunity to reach out to our community and alert them to their personal risk factors for heart disease. By joining together we can raise awareness locally about heart disease and help lead women on the path to prevention.”
National Wear Red Day is a day when Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness. “This will be the first time we have come together as a hospital to wear red. With 500 employees, we can make a difference,” commented Emily Mendez-Bryant, KCH Community Relations Director. “We also plan to have a free community presentation later this month about heart health in recognition of National American Heart Month.”
Alarmingly, heart disease takes the life of 1 in 3 women each year. Although significant progress has been made in increasing awareness among women that heart disease is their #1 killer (from 34 percent in 2000 to 69 percent in 2009) most fail to make the connection between its risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends being physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet and being educated about heart disease and its risk factors, as well as share information with the women in our lives about heart disease and how we can fight back
For more information about women and heart disease, please visit http://www.hearttruth.gov or the local chapter of the American Heart Association at 961-2825. For more information about hospital events, please contact 322-6960.
Founded in 1914, KCH is a 94-bed full-service hospital with 24-hour emergency services that supports the west region of the island of Hawaii. It is a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a special agency of the state of Hawaii established in 1996. It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Kona Community Hospital is dedicated to providing and enhancing accessible comprehensive healthcare services to the West Hawaii community.