Workshop on Women and Heart Health Offered at A&M International Thursday

Texas A&M International University, in partnership with the Webb County Division of the American Heart Association(AHA), is hosting a Women and Heart Health Workshop on Thursday, October 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room (319).

The cost for attending will be $7 to cover participants' lunch. October is Women and Heart Health Month, sponsored by the AHA. Special luncheon speakers will be Dr. Doris Rosenow and Natalie Burkhalter, both associate professors in A&M International's Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing.

Dr. Rosenow is a research scientist and a clinical nurse specialist in the area of critical care nursing with a focus in cardiology. Burkhalter is a family nurse practitioner and an acute care nurse practitioner with a clinical focus in the areas of trauma and cardiology. Rosenow and Burkhalter will speak about women's heart health including awareness of the problems and preventative measures.

The AHA believes because women play a central role in family health decisions, it is important for women to first learn how to better their own health and well-being. Their improved self health care can have a great impact upon the health and well-being of their families and other loved ones.

According to the AHA, heart disease is the number one killer of females in America today, claiming more than 505,000 female lives every year, more than the next 16 causes of death combined, and almost twice the number of deaths caused by all forms of cancer. Despite these alarming statistics, only eight percent of American women recognize heart disease as a serious health threat.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death for females, behind heart disease and cancer, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

Women can reduce their risks of heart disease as well as stroke by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking alcohol only in moderation (one drink per day.) Studies also show that after menopause, hormone replacement therapy may help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

For more information, please contact the AMA at 877.938.0612 or A&M International's Office of Public Affairs and Information Services, at 326.2180 or email pais@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu