74°
Fifteen Westchester area women have been selected to participate in the 12-week BetterU Program aimed at improving heart health. The Westchester American Heart Association and White Plains Hospital are conducting the BetterU program to remind all women of the need to make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke – the number one and four killers of women.
The fifteen women selected for the Challenge were introduced at a kick-off event at White Plains Hospital. Their stories will be featured in the BetterU online blog and on the AHA’s Facebook page.
"We were delighted to have so many applicants for the Better U program. The stories of these 15 women are compelling pictures of the complex health and lifestyle challenges many women face today," said Dawn French, Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing & Community Outreach at White Plains Hospital. "We are proud to be able to play a part in their quest for better health and wellness, and know they will inspire us greatly over the next 12 weeks."
Each of the 15 women will receive a three-month membership and personal training sessions at Will2Lose Gym in Scarsdale, a baseline medical evaluation from White Plains Hospital, and nutrition coaching, heart health seminars and group workouts.
"We invite all local women to join GoRedForWomen.org online to learn about their risk for heart disease and take steps to improve their heart health," said Ms. French.
"Our goal is to make heart health a top priority for women in our area.”
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., taking the life of nearly one woman every minute and an average of one in three women in their lifetimes. Encouraging research shows, however, that 80 percent of cardiac events in women are preventable with simple lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise and smoking.
The BetterU 12-week program runs through May 2nd. Community members are encouraged to follow their progress online at http://betteruwestchester.blogspot.com/ and on www.facebook.com/americanheartnewyork and on Twitter @HVHeartAssoc.
