Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Go Red Event - July 30

Munster will Go Red to help prevent heart disease


MUNSTER - Franciscan Physicians Hospital is seeing red in its fight against heart disease and is urging the community to do the same. The hospital and the American Heart Association will lead the charge on July 30 when they host a Go Red for Women in Munster program to help better equip the public in the battle against the No. 1 killer of Americans and the leading cause of death of women aged 25 and older.

The program will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave.

The AHA says 500,000 women annually die from cardiovascular disease, which also is the No. 1 birth defect in newborns and the primary cause of stroke and long-term disability.
“Our goal is to make women aware of the startling statistics and to have them embrace heart health before it is too late,” the AHA says. Go Red efforts were launched by the AHA in 2000.

During the Munster event, Dr. Hilton Hudson will discuss causes and prevention of heart disease and answer questions from noon to 12:30 p.m. A hospital patient and her husband will be on hand to share her story of an open heart valve replacement procedure.
Educational pieces will be available, as will giveaways, including red nail polish, cookbooks, lipstick, t-shirts and more; including refreshments and a “special treat” for those who wear red clothing.

Besides the public, Munster officials, physicians and representatives from throughout Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region, which, besides Franciscan Physicians Hospital, includes Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point, Saint Anthony Memorial in Michigan City and St. Margaret Mercy Hospitals in Dyer and in Hammond, will be in attendance.
The news media likewise is invited. “This is an opportunity to educate our community about heart and vascular disease and share valuable experience that may save lives in the future. We anticipate a good turnout,” said hospital President Barbara Greene.

Call Tracey Franovich at (219) 922-4200 for more information on the event. Visit www.americanheart.org to learn more about heart disease.