Gamma Sigma Omega Implements Pink Goes Red & Healthy Heart Initiatives

 
 

The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) traditionally wear the colors pink and green, but on February 7, 2020 they took off their pink and green and wore red. During the month of February (American Heart Month), AKA’s across the country joined millions to bring awareness to the importance of improving heart health and February 7th was designated nationally by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as “Pink Goes Red for Heart Health” Impact Day. This day is designed to raise awareness of this deadly disease in women and the importance of promoting healthy habits and changes that will increase the life expectancy of women around the world and improve the quality of life. Wearing red helps to raise awareness of this deadly disease.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of one in three women each year. This risk factor is especially important for African American women who are at increased risk due to factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

 
 

The focus for the entire month of February was on activities to promote healthy heart awareness. On the evening of Feb. 7, 2020, GSO hosted a seminar and expo at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church about healthy heart habits and truths about high blood pressure for the public. The theme of the event was “Let’s Circulate.” The goal of this theme was to bring about greater awareness of physical fitness being a tool for developing healthy circulatory and respiratory systems. Activities for this event included line dancing with Margaret Pearson, yoga with Tina Nelson, hula hoop exercise with Nichelle Hoskins and exercising with Pamela Denson. During the session, blood pressure screenings were provided by the Black Nurse Association and healthy food snacks were provided. This session gave participants plenty of resources and ideas for how to live healthy and learn the truth about heart disease and high blood pressure.

“Walking for the Health of It” was another healthy activity that many GSO members participated in during the month. The local goal for GSO was to have over 800,000 steps by February 29, 2020. Special healthy walks and other fitness activities were scheduled for members in order to promote an active lifestyle and log their steps. Members who participated in these activities will be recognized in March for their participation. Information was distributed to members on ways to keep the heart healthy through nutrition. Information on recognizing a stroke was also given to increase awareness.

During the February 8, 2020 GSO Chapter meeting, a special guest spoke to members about how heart disease has affected her as a patient and her family. 14 years old heart patient Destiny Cooper and her mom shared the painstaking journey and challenges they have endured since she was diagnosed with this debilitating disease. Afterwards, Destiny was presented with a gift basket filled with treats and gift cards to use during her treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can result in a better quality of life and lower mortality from heart disease. GSO wants to make a difference for all community members, especially African American women who need to be physically active, eat a heart-healthy diet and get educated about heart disease and risk factors. For more information about heart disease in women, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

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