Washington Co. hospitals getting to heart of the matter
MONONGAHELA – People turn on their outside lights for many reasons.
One hotel chain used the slogan, “We’ll leave the light on for you” to convey hospitality. A major retailer had “blue-light specials” to call attention to in-store sales.
In February, Monongahela Valley Hospital is illuminating the exterior of the hospital bright red to create greater awareness of heart health in recognition of American Heart Month.
Mon Valley has teamed up with Canonsburg General and Washington hospitals for a new countywide education and awareness effort called “Go Red, Washington County.”
In addition to focusing red lights on the hospital every night throughout the month, Mon Valley will host a free event from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center that will include speakers, screenings, educational demonstrations and giveaways.
The schedule for the “Go Red, Washington County” is:
4 p.m. – Free registration
4:15 p.m. – Janet McKee, author and board-certified holistic health counselor, will present a cooking demonstration with samples, and Amaera Felder, stress management specialist at Mon Valley Hospital, will conduct a session on relaxation techniques for all ages and fitness levels.
5 p.m. – Jennifer Antkowiak, KDKA-TV anchor and motivational speaker, will discuss heart health and conduct Zumba and walking demonstrations.
6 p.m. – An Innovations in Medicine panel discussion on heart health issues will feature Dr. Simon H. Chough, an MVH cardiologist; Don Doyle, director of the Center for Fitness and Health; Kenny Furlong, a registered nurse and cardiac rehabilitation supervisor; and Randall Komacko, senior staff physical therapist and director of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease.
Screenings, information tables, raffles and sales of “Go Red, Washington County” red gloves and headbands will continue until 8 p.m.
Reservations are requested by calling 724-258-1333.
While MVH’s event is gender neutral, “Go Red, Washington County” is being held in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” campaign that promotes heart health among women.