February 11, 2005
Mount Holyoke Goes Red February 24
Most women are in
the dark when it comes to heart disease. According to the American
Heart Association (AHA), only ten percent know that heart disease
is their number one killer. To build awareness and encourage preventive
efforts, the College and the American Heart Association are sponsoring
"Mount Holyoke Goes Red" Thursday, February 24. The
MHC community is invited to wear red and participate in a day
full of lectures, tours, and clinics.
 "Supporting
the AHA Go Red campaign is a great way for us to educate community
members about the health risks associated with heart disease and
to generally promote healthy living," said Lauren Turner,
director of human resources. "We encourage all members of
the community to participate in these events, and recognize that
this will require some flexibility around release time from work.
We ask that staff work with their manager or supervisor to coordinate
release time where possible."
Elaine D'Amours,
director of gift planning at MHC, serves on the Greater Pioneer
Valley American Heart Association board of directors and helped
organize "Mount Holyoke Goes Red." "I think this
is a particularly good time of year to make changes in our lives
that will enhance our quality of life," D'Amours said. "And
small changes can make a huge difference."
Elaine McCaffrey,
a nurse clinician at Baystate Medical Center's Cardiac Rehabilitation
and Wellness Program and an adjunct professor at Elms College,
will deliver the keynote address, "Women and Heart Disease,"
from 1 to 2 pm in Hooker Auditorium. McCaffrey has been a volunteer
for AHA for many years, as well as an AHA CPR instructor trainer
for 12 years. McCaffrey, who has worked in the cardiology department
at Baystate Medical Center for more than 20 years, coordinates
the Women's Healthy Heart Program at the hospital and has a passion
for helping and educating women about heart health.
From 11 am to 1 pm,
nurses from Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton will conduct
cholesterol screenings on the first level of Blanchard Campus
Center. Participants can also pick up literature at their table,
which also will be staffed by AHA regional director Bill Hynes.
From 2 to 4 pm, Karen
Engell, director of health services, and her staff will do blood
pressure checks in Kendall. Members of the athletic department
will run tours of Kendall's facilities and Alyssa Lovell, yoga
instructor at the College, will be available to answer questions.
"With Kendall
on our doorstep, it's easy to [get and stay healthy] if we really
want to do it -- we just have to make the commitment," D'Amours
said. "There are so many possibilities at Kendall. For me,
the aerobics machines keep my heart strong; the weight room keeps
my body strong; and yoga practice helps with blood pressure, flexibility,
balance, and bone density. Does it get any better than that?"
Since she started
on her program, D'Amours's doctor is amazed at her progress. "I
don't want to get preachy, but I just really want to encourage
everyone to take good care of themselves," D'Amours said.
"The goal of ‘Mount Holyoke Goes Red' is to raise awareness.
And the screenings, educational information, and tours can help
us jump-start our individual programs. Don't forget to wear red.
"
For more information
on "Mount Holyoke Goes Red," please contact Elaine D'Amours
at edamours@mtholyoke.edu
or x2754.
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