May 4 2009
‘Go Red for Women’ ambassador encourages Heart Week health checks for Mums
Cardiologist and mother-of-two Dr Michelle Ammerer is encouraging women to check their cardiovascular risk factors this Heart Week and lead their families to a healthier lifestyle ahead of Mother’s Day.
Dr Ammerer, Head of the Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit, National Heart Foundation-WA Board Member and ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign ambassador said many people remained unaware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and is largely a preventable disease.
“Diet and exercise play a major role in minimising the risk factors for cardiovascular disease which include high cholesterol, obesity and overweight, diabetes and smoking,” she said.
“This Mother’s Day we will celebrate the pivotal roles our mothers play in our lives and one of those roles is building habits that last a lifetime,” she said.
“I would appeal to everyone, especially mothers, to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle this Heart Week. Women are traditionally the ones who plan and prepare meals and have the ability to lead their families.”
Heart disease claims four times as many lives as breast cancer and 50 percent of people who suffer a heart attack won’t survive to make it to hospital.
As part of Heart Week which runs from May 3-9, the Cardiovascular team are carrying out free health checks and provide advice between 12-2pm daily in the Hospital’s main thoroughfare- Watling Street.
Blood pressure will be measured, Body Mass Index(BMI) calculated and other cardiac risk factors assessed by nurses. Experts will also be on hand during the week to advise on quitting smoking, exercise, social isolation and depression, diabetes, diet and medications for heart health. All people who make an enquiry will go in the drawer for healthy prizes such as 1-month Curves gym membership vouchers, a Healthstream exercise bike, AFL tickets and a limited edition Eagles football.
On Friday the team will dress in crimson to raise money for the ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign and Michelle Ammerer will draw the raffle.
The heath checks and advice are free.
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