Community encouraged to take care of their hearts

[February 04, 2013]  Sixty-six percent of Logan County residents are either overweight or obese. That statistic comes from the Healthy Communities Institute, which compiles data from national, state and regional sources.

"You Are the HEART of Your Family -- Take Care of It" is an event being presented to give residents an opportunity to learn more about cardiovascular disease and weight management. The event is free and is planned for 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. Feb. 23 at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Christopher Rivera, M.D., with Memorial Physician Services, Family Medical Center, will offer a keynote presentation on cardiovascular disease. Free screenings of body fat and blood pressure will be provided.

Workshops will also be offered to teach participants about healthy behaviors. Kat Tucholke, APN, CDE, with Memorial Physician Services will discuss weight management. Todd Mourning, PT, DPT, with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital will share tips for creating an active family lifestyle, and Jennifer DiPasquale, RD, LD, CDE, with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital will share ways to pack a healthy lunch for you and your family.

The first 125 participants will receive a free T-shirt. Participants who attend every session will be entered into a drawing for an iPad provided by the ALMH Auxiliary.

"If we can address obesity in Logan County, we can lower the instance of other diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Healthy Communities Partnership is collaborating with the community to address all of these health concerns," said Angela Stoltzenburg, manager of the Healthy Communities Partnership.

The event is being presented in conjunction with the Healthy Communities Partnership, Memorial Physician Services and ALMH Auxiliary. It is funded in part through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Office of Rural Health Policy.

"There are a lot of people in our community who can benefit from this event by learning how to take control of their activity level and diet to ensure healthy weight management and heart health," Stoltzenburg said.

The Healthy Communities Partnership is a collaborative organization comprised of over 45 community organizations. It is supported in part by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation. "Like" Healthy Communities Partnership on Facebook to receive updates about its efforts to create the healthiest community in America. For more information about the event, call 217-605-5008.

[Text from Healthy Communities Partnership news release received from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]