This month, the public will get the chance to learn about keeping their heart healthy as part of the Cayman Heart Fund’s efforts to raise awareness of the cardiovascular disease.
“Heart Smart Week,” which runs from March 20 to 25, will involve an array of events promoting healthy heart care, including a free health fair, a Red Dress gala at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, a symposium featuring international cardiologists who will address the medical community, and two women’s health workshops.
An estimated 17.1 million people die of cardiovascular diseases every year, according to the World Heart Federation, and the Cayman Islands is no exception to these figures. A study by the Ministry of Health, the “National Health Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands,” found that 3,273 patients were diagnosed with hypertension, and 1,691 with diabetes in 2010. Both hypertension and diabetes are major risk factors for heart disease.
Heart Fund program coordinator Sue Rajah said there is no device to keep the heart healthy, “except for eating healthy, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle overall, with minimal stress.”
She also noted that in the event of a cardiac emergency, it is important for schools, companies, churches and public places to have automated external defibrillators.
Cardiac specialists meet
On March 20, medical professionals are due to fly in for the International Cardiac Symposium, to give presentations on the theme “Returning our focus to preventative cardiovascular medicine,” at St. Matthew’s University campus.
These include cardiologists from Baptist Health International, Johns Hopkins, and other medical facilities. Admission to the symposium, which starts at 5 p.m., is free. Pre-registration is required.
Red Dress gala
On March 21, Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, a former surgeon general of Florida, is due to speak at the “Learn and Live Red Dress Affair,” an event organized by the Cayman Heart Fund.
She is the first woman, and Cuban-American, to serve as secretary of the Florida Department of Health. Guests can gather in red to hear her talk on the topic, “Globesity: Fat’s new frontier and a 21st century supermom’s challenge.”
The event is hosted by the Cayman Heart Fund and Baptist Health International and will be held following the Women’s Heart Care Extravaganza Expo at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The dinner will be from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $75 per person and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Health fair
A free heart health fair open to the public will take place at the Arts and Recreation Center in Camana Bay on March 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will begin with remarks from David Dinner, chairman of the Cayman Heart Fund, followed by welcoming remarks from Health Minister Osbourne Bodden.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to take advantage of free screenings to “Know your Numbers,” including screenings for adults and children for blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, cholesterol, and waist circumference.
Cardiac health experts are scheduled to give lectures throughout the day and will offer tips on how to keep your heart healthy. At 9:30 a.m., Dr. Erin Michos, a cardiologist from the Johns Hopkins University will discuss “Understanding the new 2013 cholesterol guidelines: What patients and their doctors need to know.”
Other lectures during the day will offer tools and learning materials on how to control diabetes, managing high blood pressure and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
At 1 p.m, the final lecture, by Simone Davis from the Cayman Pharmacy Group, will address over-the-counter cardiac supplements.
Women’s heart health workshops
The smart heart week will close with two heart health workshops presented by certified menopausal practitioner and pharmacist Carolyn Whiskin. She will address the topics of hormones, heart and health. These workshops will be held for both the public and the medical community to help combat cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 health threat to women.
The public workshop is on March 25 at the Tabernacle Church in George Town from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On March 26, a workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for medical professionals at the Hibiscus Room at the Health Services Authority and attendance will count as two hours of Continuing Medical Education credits.
For more information about the Cayman Heart Fund and how to get involved, visit www.caymanheartfund.com.
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