Employees of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn and Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola each wore red on Friday, but not because Valentine’s Day is coming up.
The fashion choice was in support of National Wear Red Day, an annual initiative by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of women’s health issues.
More than 420,000 women each year die of heart disease and stroke, according to American Heart Association figures – more than all forms of cancer combined – though deaths have decreased by more than 30 percent in the last 10 years.
“Getting involved with Go Red for Women saves lives,” said Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the North Shore-LIJ Health System’s vice president of women’s health and a board member of the American Heart Association’s Founder’s Affiliate.
“It encourages women to take charge of their heart health through early identification of modifiable risk factors and by making small changes that are within their control, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and not smoking,” she added.
Among the events scheduled by the health system – which sponsors the heart association’s Cities Go Red program across New York City and Long Island and whose Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan will also participate in Wear Red initiatives this month – were an interactive drawing demonstration by Arnie Levin, a cartoonist who has appeared in the New Yorker, and the creation of a large mural with encouraging messages aimed at women’s health.
On Feb. 25, Winthrop will host a free women’s health education seminar as part of its “Inspiring Women” series.
At St. Francis, hospital officials championed the CoreValve, a device that assists in opening the heart’s aortic valves.
Three women who have received the CoreValve – Ruth DeMartino, 88, of Deer Park; Pearl Egles, 91, of New Hyde Park; and Ina Grohman, 86, of Great Neck – were invited to share their experiences in living with the device.
More than 200 women have received CoreValve procedures, hospital officials said.
DeMartino, a longtime tap dancer, also performed for officials and supporters.
“There are many options available to patients today and the choices can be confusing,” said Dr. George Petrossian, director of Interventional Cardiovascular Procedures at St. Francis Hospital. “By having one central location, patients will be able to be tested and diagnosed in a single day and be confident in knowing they’ll be getting the most comprehensive care.”
North Shore-LIJ Health System officials invited Massapequa resident Portia Rindos, who underwent procedures in the last six years to receive a pacemaker and two stints to relieve blocked arteries, to speak to the 150 employees participating in North Shore University Hospital’s Wear Red Day events.
Rindos, 58, a former cardiac nurse, said that in wake of the procedures, she has begun following a healthy lifestyle and has lost 40 pounds.
“I feel better and have more energy,” she said. “I’m willing to do what it takes because it pays off in the end. I want to be able to see my daughters get married.”
