Women Encouraged to Apply for BetterU Challenge to Prevent Heart Disease

The American Heart Association invites local women to apply for the 8th Annual BetterU Challenge, sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The 12-week program, starting July 27th, is designed to improve cardiovascular health through simple lifestyle changes and prevent heart disease—women’s number one killer. The program is part of the Go Red For Women Luncheon, which is set for Thursday, November 9th at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie.

Applications are being accepted now through June 29h to be one of the twelve women participants. Download the application from the BetterU tab at http://dutchessulstergored.heart.org.

BetterU is a free health, nutrition and fitness program that can help all women make better lifestyle choices. Each week focuses on a different area of heart health and provides step-by-step guidance to help women transform their overall health through small lifestyle changes.

The 12 women selected for the program will receive a three-month membership and personal training at Gold’s Gym, medical evaluation from Health Quest Medical Practice, and free health seminars from local health experts. The BetterU participants will chronicle their journey on a special blog, and be celebrated at the annual Go Red for Women luncheon on November 9th.

“Central Hudson is proud to support the 8th annual BetterU Challenge for women. Heart disease is still the number one killer of women but prevention through simple lifestyle changes can save women’s lives,” said Denise Doring VanBuren, Vice President of Public Relations at Central Hudson, “We are excited about helping more women to live healthier lives to prevent women’s number one killer—heart disease.”

Heart disease and stroke takes the life of one in three women — almost one woman every minute. More women than men die of heart disease and stroke. Research shows that 80 percent of cardiac events in women are preventable with simple lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise and avoiding smoking. But less than 20% of women meet the Federal Physical Activity Guidelines. About 45% of women in America age 20 or older have total cholesterol of 200 mg/dl or higher, and approximately 30% of women in American have high blood pressure.

Despite these facts, only 17% of women consider heart disease or stroke to be the greatest health problem facing Americans today. Go Red For Women’s BetterU Challenge aims to raise awareness and provide women with the tools to prevent and survive heart disease and stroke.

To download an application, deadline June 26th, visit http://bit.ly/HVBetterU18

For more information, contact Danielle Schuka at 845-867-5379 or email Danielle.Schuka@heart.org.

BetterU is sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Gold’s Gym, Heath Quest Medical Practice and Q92 Radio. Go Red For Women is sponsored national by Macy’s and CVS Health, and locally by The Heart Center | Vassar Brothers Medical, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center.

 

 

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