NBH Workers Wear Red for Heart Health Awareness

Community Submission
07:00AM / Saturday, February 07, 2009

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Photo by Paul Hopkins

The Go Red Team

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire Healthcare employees were seeing red Friday — because everyone was wearing it!

The annual event is part of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women Day," designed to raise awareness of heart disease, especially in women.

Employees held a 50/50 raffle and had a "Best Dressed in Red" contest at North Adams Regional Hospital. This is the fourth year that NBH employees have worn red - from lipstick to complete outfits.

"February is national Heart Health Month and we like to impress upon the community how important it is to take care of your heart," said Sharon Leary, co-coordinator of the NBH Wear Red Campaign. "So each year, we participate in the American Heart Association's Wear Red Day. It's a fun day with a chance to win some extra cash, plus there are some great red outfits that employees come up with."

Each of the health-care system's entities — the hospital, Sweet Brook Care Centers, Sweetwood, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Northern Berkshire, Northern Berkshire Family Medicine, Women's Exchange and Reach Community Health Foundation — participated in the 50/50 raffle and a total of $590 was raised. Half of that money will go to the 50/50 raffle prize-winner; the other half will be donated to the American Heart Association on behalf of Northern Berkshire Healthcare employees.

"Volunteers at the Women's Exchange put together these great red outfits on mannequins that are placed at NARH, the VNA & Hospice, Sweet Brook and Sweetwood," Leary continued. "It's a great visual and we even have some employees pose with the mannequins for pictures. It's also a reminder that we can get some great clothing bargains at the Women's Exchange."

Most people assume that breast cancer is the No. 1 threat to women's health. In fact, it is cardiovascular disease that is the primary killer of American women. There are approximately 43 million American women living with cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women is out to prove that awareness and action will reduce those numbers.

Each year, North Adams Regional Hospital employees who wore red are invited to pose for a heart picture in the main lobby. This year was no different.

"I think this is the best part of the day!" said Leary. "Next year we hope to have a filled heart, not only the outline."

For information on cardiovascular health or to find out your risk factors, visit www.goredforwomen.org or visit www.nbhealth.org. Reach offers a variety of programs geared toward improving the health and wellness of the Northern Berkshire community. For information on these programs or on upcoming wellness classes that could benefit your health, call 413-664-5326.