Go Red Aims to Protect Women From Heart Disease
February 3, 2007

Heart disease and stroke are the top killers of women in the Pacific Northwest. Each year, heart disease claims the lives of 500,000 women across the country.

There is hope. The color red is a reminder of the power and strength women have to take charge of their health. By taking time to love their hearts, women can understand their risks for heart disease.

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s nationwide movement to empower, educate, and inspire women to fight back against heart disease and stroke.

Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org for a free online tool to track your heart disease risk over the next 10 years.

Show Your Support. February 2, 2007, is National Wear Red Day. Throw on your favorite red outfit, along with your Red Dress pin.

Join us Saturday, February 3, at the Macy’s in Portland’s Washington Square Mall from 11 am to 1 pm for a Go Red For Women community event featuring free health information and giveaways.

Take a Hike (or Walk). Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy.Explore a trail or participate in this year’s Portland Metro Heart Walk. Register at www.pdxheartwalk.org

For more information and to join the Go Red for Women Movement, presented by Macy’s and Pfizer, call 503-233-0100.

Reach the SummitTraining Hikes Begin February 2007

If your New Year’s resolution includes hiking your way to good health, Reach the Summit is sure to provide the motivation and support needed to help you obtain your goal. The American Lung Association of Oregon’s (ALAO) fourth annual Reach the Summit fund-raiser provides an opportunity to train for and participate in a guided group climb to the top of Mount Hood or Mount Shasta.

Reach the Summit is open to first time and experienced climbers. The two-day event consists of an all-day climbing clinic, dinner and lodging at Silcox Hut, and professional guide service by Timberline Mountain Guides, Inc. The fourth annual Reach the Summit fund-raiser will take place on Mount Hood June 19 to 24, 2007, and on Mount Shasta July 19 to 22, 2007.

Those interested in this event are encouraged to attend a January informational meeting in the Portland area. Beginning in February and continuing through June, volunteers will lead optional training hikes and gear clinics to help participants prepare for their climbs.

Each person must raise a minimum of $3,000 to climb Hood or $4,000 for Shasta. The funds help support the ALAO’s mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health by promoting cures, clean air, and smokefree kids.

To learn more about Reach the Summit, contact Jennifer Baldwin at 503-924-4094 ext 16 or Jennifer@lungoregon.org. You may also visit, www.reachthesummit.us.

Discover the Sixth Annual Diabetes EXPO
February 3, 2007

The American Diabetes Association’s Sixth Annual Diabetes EXPO, presented by Safeway, takes place 9 am to 4 pm Saturday, February 3, at the Oregon Convention Center.

Free to the public, the EXPO offers patients and their families information about the latest products, meters, services, medications, food, and diet instruction. In addition, speakers, healthy cooking demonstrations, and other activities are planned. Information sessions include type 1 World for adults, children, and their families; Cultural Diversity World (with speakers and information in Spanish); an Everyday Choices area focusing on pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and healthy living; free screenings; access to health care providers; and more.

Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds, and there are about 20.8 million Americans living with diabetes every day. The EXPO is designed to provide information for living a more healthy and active lifestyle.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy, information, and public awareness. For more information, contact Danielle Lindsay at 503-736-2770 ext 7297 or dlindsay@diabetes.org.