Free Screenings At North General

In East and Central Harlem, 31,000 people do not have a personal doctor and over 25% who live there feel their health is poor or only fair. Heart disease is the number one cause of hospitalization and death in East and Central Harlem – more so than cancer, aids and violence.

 

“Proud to Go Red,” North General Hospital’s Heart Health Campaign kicks off on February 2nd with three additional free screenings throughout the month, to fight the leading killer of women in Harlem and across the country.

On each Thursday in February, women who come in for free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings during North General’s Proud to Go Red will receive a red dress pin and blinking red heart, a monthly planner with heart-health tips for women and a Heart Health Tracker, while supplies last.

Information on healthy eating, exercise and risk factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure control and cholesterol management, will also be on hand. Come to: North General Hospital. Main lobby, 1879 Madison Avenue (Between 121st & 122nd Sts). Screenings are free.

In East and Central Harlem, 31,000 people do not have a personal doctor and over 25% who live there feel their health is poor or only fair. Heart disease is the number one cause of hospitalization and death in East and Central Harlem – more so than cancer, aids and violence.

Residents of East Harlem had an average annual heart disease hospitalization rate that was than 80% higher than the Manhattan rate and 45% higher than the rate in NYC overall. 31% of adults in East Harlem, and 25% of adults in Central Harlem are obese and only half of elementary school children are at a healthy weight.

The Proud to Go Red campaign has been sponsored in part by North General Hospital and the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Inc., who cemented their partnership to raise heart disease awareness among women in Harlem with the opening of North General Hospital’s Women’s Health Center in 2005.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s grassroots campaign that began in February 2004 to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women over age 25. It has since grown into a vibrant national movement as more women, men, celebrities, healthcare providers and politicians embrace and elevate the cause of women and heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

In addition to primary healthcare for children, adults and the aging, North General offers comprehensive treatment programs in diabetes, obesity, asthma, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, stroke, Hepatitis C, cancer, psychiatric disorders and addiction.

For more information, please call us at (212) 423-4000 or visit our website at www.northgeneral.org.

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