RAISING AWARENESS — The Trinity Health System hosted its inaugural Crimson Connections for Your Heart luncheon on Friday at the St. Florian Event Center, aimed at increasing awareness about the risks of heart disease among women. The event highlighted the presentation of the first Crimson Connection Champion award, awarded to Megan Pressley for her dedication to inspiring and empowering women. She was selected from six nominees, which included Ashley Hoobler, Angela Lombardo, Kelli Sarlo, Rebekah Cohen Morris, and Dorothy “Dottie” O’Neil.
Understanding the Risks
WINTERSVILLE — Laurie Labishak, marketing director for Trinity Health System, addressed attendees at the heart health event, emphasizing the critical issue of heart disease, which annually claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined.
“One in three women are impacted by heart disease. This is a staggering statistic,” she remarked, urging women to be proactive by understanding their risks and collaborating with healthcare providers to mitigate those risks.
The First Crimson Connection Champion
The gathering featured the designation of Trinity’s first Crimson Connection Champion, an accolade awarded to a woman committed to encouraging others to lead their healthiest lives. This year, the honor went to Megan Pressley, an audiologist who owns the Pressley Hearing Center. Pressley shared her personal connection to heart health, citing her mother’s battle with heart disease as a profound motivator to monitor her own health.
Recognizing Subtle Symptoms
Pressley emphasized that many women often dismiss physical discomforts and symptoms, which can lead to serious consequences if heart disease goes unnoticed. “As women, we tend to bear many responsibilities, yet we must prioritize our heart health,” she advised.
She strongly recommends that women with a familial history of heart problems consult with their doctors and ensure they have routine check-ups.
Addressing Manageable Risk Factors
The cardiac specialists at Trinity have identified several controllable and uncontrollable risk factors associated with heart disease. Factors such as age and racial demographics contribute to a higher incidence of heart issues, especially among Black women. Additionally, risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and lack of physical activity can often be managed through lifestyle adjustments.
Awareness of Symptoms Unique to Women
Lisa Kush, a specialist in clinical and interventional cardiology at Trinity, highlighted that women frequently present subtle symptoms compared to men, which include neck or jaw discomfort. She noted that signs such as muscular pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and especially fatigue could indicate cardiac issues. Many women tend to attribute fatigue to aging and may delay seeking medical attention until it becomes critical.
The Nominees and Community Engagement
Megan Pressley stood out among six dynamic nominees for the Crimson Connection Champion award, all of whom play significant roles within the community. The other nominees included Angela Lombardo, Rebekah Cohen Morris, Ashley Hoobler, Kelli Sarlo, and Dorothy “Dottie” O’Neil. The public was invited to vote through social media, resulting in approximately 10,000 votes in a few days.
A Day of Community and Outreach
The event welcomed numerous women and men, offering a range of activities, including health screenings for blood pressure, CPR training from Trinity’s School of Nursing, relaxation in massage chairs, and nail services from cosmetology students at the Jefferson County Vocational School. Attendees also enjoyed caricature portraits, participated in auctions, and various raffles.
Supporting Heart Health Initiatives
Labishak noted that proceeds from the event will contribute to Trinity’s cardiology fund, facilitating the advancement of state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosing and treating heart disease. This community-focused initiative emphasizes the importance of heart health education and awareness for women.
