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Women's series to focus on heart health

By Bethany Fuller | Statesville R&L

Published: February 7, 2010

For the next six months, Iredell Health Systems is trying to get women to listen to their hearts.

The Sisters at Heart series will replace the popular Day of Dance program. Instead of just focusing on diet, exercise and nutrition, it will include the different facets that influence a woman's heart health, including physical, emotional and spiritual well being, said Iredell Health System Spokeswoman Kelley Daspit.
The sessions on the third Thursday of every month will feature a number of area professionals and are designed to not only educate, but to let women have a little fun.

"Managing stress, growing and nurturing relationships, discovering joy in everyday life, embracing your sexual and spiritual sides all affect the wonderful workings of the heart," Iredell Memorial Hospital Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Susan Hamilton said in a press release.

According to the press release, there is scientific evidence that, in addition to pumping blood, the heart directs and aligns the body's systems to function in harmony. This includes sending information to the brain, so a healthy heart helps reduce stress and boost overall health among other things.

Sessions will be held on Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 21, June 17 and July 16 at Little Joe's Chapel and Enrichment Center in Troutman. Local sponsors and a grant from the St. Jude Medical Fund the free program.
Daspit said women will learn how important it is to have self-esteem, confidence and the ability to connect with others, and how those needs change throughout a woman's life.

"All of these things come together and form who we are and affect the heart," she said. "It is a moving target and women need to embrace their life."

The workshops will also go over relationships, and how bad relationships can literally hurt the heart, she said.

The information isn't something that women can get from one place on the Internet, Daspit said.

Participants who commit to and attend all six sessions will be rewarded with a $10 gift card. Registration is required. Go to www.iredellmemorial.org for details on each session and to register.