WS Chronicle

Cheryl Lindsay

Guest Columnist

Happy New Year!!Thanks to you we had an incredible year of Heart Awareness and Prevention in 2016 and we are excited about 2017!

We can’t move into 2017 without thanking you for your partnership and continuing support in 2016.  2016 was the sixth year anniversary of Red H.E.A.R.R.T.’s (Help Educate And Reduce Risk Today) initiatives.

Because of you, Red H.E.A.R.R.T. and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County broke another Guinness World Record in our hometown.  More importantly, we helped build awareness at all levels in our WS/FC Schools with varsity basketball teams wearing red socks and students pledging to a 30-day health challenge.

Heart disease is still the Number One killer of both men and women – and it impacts the young and old. Heart disease doesn’t respect race or economic background. But it is preventable.  We’re in a fight – and our to-do is to save lives: our lives, the lives of those we love, and the lives in our community at large.

Over the last six years, you’ve helped to create heart disease awareness and drive heart disease prevention throughout our city.  Winston-Salem has been recognized twice as the home of a Guinness World Record:

*On Feb 1, 2013, 1,121 WS/FC Middle School students, Mayor Allen Joines & Red H.E.A.R.R.T. broke the Guinness World Record for having the most students doing Zumbatomic at one time! That world record was just the beginning. Over the last three years, about 14,000 students participated  in heart/health challenges, and local restaurants have joined the fight by offering heart-healthy dishes during the month of February (and donating a portion of their proceeds during this month to the American Heart Association to help further research and assistance for those impacted by heart conditions).

*In 2015,  Red H.E.A.R.R.T, Mayor Joines and 414 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community participants broke the Guinness World Record again!

Also:

*From 2010-2016, we’ve held record-breaking Zumbathons & Health Awareness Fairs led by WS/FC Zumba certified instructors with up to 400 people attending annually.  Locations have ranged from the Hanes Mall to the Gateway YWCA.

*From 2013-2016, The WS/FC Kindergarten – 8th grade students have pledged to wear red on National Wear Red Day and to get moving 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week during the month of February.  In addition, they also pledged to put in place two good nutrition practices (i.e. drink more water, eat more fruit)

*In 2015 & 2016 the Winston-Salem/Forsyth High Schools have worn Red on National Wear Red Day.  And, they have designated one game night in the month of February to wear red socks on the court and announce during the varsity games the reason why they were wear-ing the red socks and the importance of heart health.

In 2016, we held the first Women’s Red Bottom Shoes Garden Luncheon & Wellness Event, inclusive of all, but created with the goal of educating women of color about heart health issues, preventive solutions, dietary & physical exercise tips, and empowering encouragement. Why?In numerous studies, it is noted that “Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, remains the No. 1 killer of Americans and exacts a disproportionate toll on many racial and ethnic groups that have higher rates of CVD and its risk factors.”

The group goes on to note that these groups have challenges around diagnosis and care, as well as quality of treatment that their white counterparts do not face.  With this in mind, we created this Luncheon & Wellness Event.

This 2016 sold-out luncheon & wellness event of 400 attendees featured not only speakers that talk about heart health in coordination with your mind, body & soul; but it also featured a Red H.E.A.R.R.T. Red Carpet “Walk-The Runway Show” for heart/stroke survivors and those walking in honor of or in memory of a loved one affected by heart disease.

In addition, the prelude and postlude to the luncheon event included pampering booths (i.e. neck and shoulder massages, hand massages, Belk’s Make-Over), health assessment booths (i.e. body mass index, blood pressure and sugar glucose check), weight management booths (i.e. YWCA, New Balance), health education booths (Career Center Young Chefs, Healthy Alternatives), vendors and more!

Over the last six years, we’ve held Zumba Heart Health Fair events to demonstrate how fun it is to get moving and making a difference in your health. I’m proud to say that with the support of the partners, sponsors and the community at large, we reached every goal set from 2010-2016!  Thank you for joining the fight to make a difference!

Happiest of New Year’s to you and yours, and best wishes for 2017!! Thanks for your support in making innovative and record-breaking news annually to raise heart health awareness and to fight heart disease!  I’m looking forward to your continued support and partnership in 2017!

Please help me thank our Winston-Salem Community, the Winston-Salem Chronicle and our sponsors for their support!

Cheryl Lindsay oversees  Red H.E.A.R.R.T.