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St. Joseph Regional Health Network is setting aside the power points and the lectures typically held during National Heart Month in February to emphasize the importance of social interaction and fun in keeping hearts healthy. And St. Joseph is doing that with a red dress and red tie dance called “Heart Fest” on Valentine’s Day.
According to St. Joe’s Cardiovascular Patient Navigator, Danyelle Whalen, BS, RN-BC, there is more to heart health than managing cholesterol and blood pressure numbers and eating healthy.
“When thinking about good heart health we naturally think about healthy foods, exercising, and knowing our numbers,” Whalen explains. “But how many people think about social gatherings, dancing and music as a prescription for a healthy heart?”
Whalen manages “Heart Caring,” a program at St. Joe’s to help healthcare providers recognize that women have unique heart healthcare needs.
She says human emotion is strongly linked to heart health, raising and lowering blood pressure, speeding up or slowing down heart rate. Heart Fest’s social and fun-filled evening “is just what the doctor ordered,” Whalen says. “It will make the connection between emotions and heart health. We don’t want to just tell people how good this is for their hearts; we want them to experience it.”
Heart Fest is set for Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Reading in Wyomissing. It is open to the public and will feature the music of the John King Dance Band (Soul, Motown, Top 40, Classic Rock, R&B and original songs). Reduced cost per person if registered by Feb. 8. Tickets will be available at the door. Reservations can be made online at www.thefutureofhealthcare.org.
The live music and dancing will be accompanied by Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. All attendees will receive a gift bag and are entered to win one of several door prizes, including a bracelet valued at $500.
Any proceeds benefit St. Joseph Regional Health Networks’ HeartCaring® programming which is supported by St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation.
