The ‘Go Red for Heart Health’ day was held on Thursday, Feb. 16 in Cavs Corner.
The event was sponsored by Dining Services, Health Services, exercise science and health promotion students, peer educators and the Office of Health and Wellness Education.
As students and faculty entered the cafeteria they were able to stop at a table that was set-up to educate anyone interested in learning about heart health.
Students and faculty were offered the opportunity to participate in health-related assessments and take information on heart health. The opportunity to have your blood pressure taken right in the Cavs Corner was also offered.
“We had a great number of participants take the assessments and gather the educational materials,” Chris Hyson, director of Health and Wellness Education, said via email.
“I think it’s a great idea to get awareness about heart health because people may not realize there’s a problem or an issue until later on and it could be too late,” Jake Gaspari, sophomore undecided, said.
“In particular, students don’t always recognize that choices they make today can affect their future health, so learning to take care of their heart health now is an important outcome,” Hyson said.
Even some of Cabrini’s exercise science and health promotion students got the chance to take what they have been learning in classes by offering other students and faculty fitness tests.
“Practicing the skills they learn in the classroom is critical to their success beyond Cabrini, so these kinds of events afford students this chance,” Hyson said.
“I feel that it is important for students to learn what is healthy and what is not. A big part of being healthy is moderation whether that being eating, exercising or drinking,” Samantha Leo, senior business major, said.
“‘Go Red for Heart Health’ day allowed Dining Services to shine, as they provided a delicious heart-healthy meal for all to enjoy,” Hyson said.
The American Heart Association recommends seven small changes that can make a big difference and add years to your life. These changes include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet.
If anyone missed Go Red for Heart Health Day and would like to learn about heart health, contact the Office of Health and Wellness Education at wellness@cabrini.edu or go to the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org.
