Why would nearly 130 women wear red to a luncheon? To celebrate Go Red for Women 2008, of course.

On Feb. 1, Heritage Hospital sponsored its third annual Go Red for Women luncheon.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Guest speakers Dr. Hassan Alhosaini and Denise Poland-Torres talk about heart attack and stroke risks for women at the Go Red for Women luncheon held at Heritage Hospital in Tarboro.

Guest speakers Dr. Hassan Alhosaini and Denise Poland-Torres, PA of the Heritage Hospital Chronic Heart Failure Clinic, addressed a nearly all female crowd and spoke of ways women can reduce their chances for a heart attack and stroke.

"It was a fantastic event," said Lovie Rooks of Tarboro. "The food was great and the speakers were very enjoyable. I'm glad I came."

Alhosaini and Poland-Torres took great care in talking to women about the reasons why heart disease is such a threat to American women.

"Women tend to put their own health needs at the bottom of the priority list," Alhosaini said. "But, in order for women to take care of their families, they need to first take care of themselves."

Alhosaini also covered the symptoms of heart disease and how heart disease leads to heart attacks and strokes.

"Heart attack symptoms in women can be the same or different from heart attack symptoms in men," Alhosaini said. "Shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the jaw or neck, a feeling of dread or anxiety – all of these can be signs of a heart attack or heart problems in women along with traditional signs such as tightness or pain in the chest or arm. Women exhibiting these symptoms need to see a doctor immediately."

The key to avoid or managing heart disease is all in the numbers, Poland-Torres said.

"Knowing your good and bad cholesterol, managing your blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight or body mass index can significantly reduce a person's risk for heart attack and stroke," Poland-Torres said.

Both Alhosaini and Poland-Torres stressed good eating habits and regular exercise for women. Alhosaini talked specifically about the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, olive oil and fish but low in red meat.

The foods served at the event were from the diet. The nutrition and dietary services department at Heritage Hospital catered the event. The menu featured fresh vegetables, shrimp and scallops sautéed in olive oil and garlic, whole grain rolls, fruit and provolone cheese trays, assorted nuts and specialty teas.

"I'm glad they served foods from the Mediterranean diet that Dr. Alhosaini talked about," said Diane Johnson, also of Tarboro. "Now that I know that these kinds of foods can be good to eat as well as good for me, I'm more likely to try this kind of a balance in my diet."

The event was lauded a success by Teresa Hyman, Heritage marketing and public relations director.

"I have received positive feedback from the ladies in attendance and look forward to an even larger turnout next year," Hyman said.