Got a growing waistline? Be advised, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Women's Health, which revealed that women with waistlines of 35 in. or more are at a greater risk of heart disease than thinner women (Edelman, 2006). Over 6,000 women without a known history of heart disease had their waistlines measured on Women's Heart Day, February 18, 2005. This study found that 90% of these women had at least one major risk factor for heart disease and one third had three or more factors evident. Risk factors included high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Most of these women were unaware of their risk factors.
According to Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, "Measuring waist circumference may be a simple method that women can identify themselves as being at increased heart-attack risk and empower them to seek further evaluation and possible treatment from their doctors" (http://NewsTarget.com).
Dr. Mosca also serves as the chief medical advisor for the Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, Inc. Mosca went on to say the results of these screenings indicate the need to educate women about their risk factors related to heart disease and added that lifestyle is critical in treating the risk factors for heart disease-related conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
The Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Mrs. Irene Pollin and is a not-for-profit organization. Mrs. Pollin has a mission to bring free heart-disease screenings and heart-healthy prevention information and support to women nationwide. Sister to Sister has touched the lives of thousands of women through the National Woman's Heart Day(R) Campaign. Nearly 20,000 women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds have been screened for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (http://NewsTarget.com).
The Federal Government has proclaimed the third Friday of every February National Women's Heart Day. Save that date, and log on to the Sisters Web site at http://www.sistertosister.org/ to find out about all the upcoming activities planned for February 2007. The site also contains valuable resources such as Facts and Information documents available for download in English and Spanish, links to related sites, quizzes and interactive tools, and books and other resources.
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