The American Heart Association invites local women to apply for the 10th Anniversary BetterU Challenge, sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The 12-week program, starting August 9th, 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 Friday, November 8th at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie.
Applications are being accepted now through June 30th 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 Premier Medical Group, 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 8th.
“Central Hudson is proud to support the BetterU Challenge for women in this 10th anniversary year. 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, and chair of the Go Red for Women Luncheon, “We are excited about this 10th Anniversary BetterU and the impact it will have on women’s health in the Hudson Valley.”
BetterU challengers have experienced improved heart health in the form of lowered blood pressure, lower cholesterol, weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, and increased strength and stamina. Some women have quit smoking, and many have overhauled their eating habits. Women in the program utilize the Life’s Simple 7 heart score assessment tool designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live.
“More than 100 Hudson Valley women have gone through the challenge to date. Almost all of the women in the program improve their heart scores after just 12 weeks. That tells us that it works,” said VanBuren.
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 30th, visit http://dutchessulstergored.heart.org.
For more information, contact Danielle Schuka at 845-867-5379 or email [email protected].
BetterU is sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Gold’s Gym, Premier Medical Group, and Q92 Radio.