Club Red, a heart health initiative for women sponsored by the University’s Heart Center, is hosting activities this February in recognition of Heart Disease Awareness Month. Club Red is an online community with more than 6,000 members that aims to increase awareness about the factors and symptoms of heart disease.
The organization kicked off this month’s activities Friday with a free hula hooping class called “Hoop for your Heart” at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Club Red will also host a panel discussion and Zumba class at the Paramount theatre Feb. 28, both of which are free and open to the public, Medical Center spokesperson Meghan Bradley said in an email.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The condition occurs when plaque builds up in the vessels connected to the heart, impeding blood flow. When left untreated, the disease can eventually cause angina, heart failure and arrhythmias, irregular heart beats, or a heart attack. Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, feeling weak or faint and shortness of breath. If diagnosed early, however, heart disease is both controllable and preventable.
Club Red works year-round to encourage women to maintain a healthy diet and weight by exercising, limiting alcohol use, avoiding smoking and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
To help women address the last two factors, the organization is spearheading a “Know Your Numbers” campaign, encouraging women to know their cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index.
“Working with a primary care provider or cardiologist to obtain these numbers is the first step in understanding one’s risk for heart disease,” Bradley said.
Read More
STEM organizations host Neuroscience Outreach Fair for local K-12 students
By Lucia Gambacini | February 24, 2025The organizations invited elementary through high school students from across Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties to participate in a variety of neurology-related activities.
University sees rise in flu and norovirus since start of semester
By Caroline Hagood | February 11, 2025According to data from SHW, 196 students tested positive for Flu A at SHW between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 this year, an increase of 23 cases from 173 positive tests during the same month in 2024.
U.Va. Health launches Center for Smell and Taste
By Saumya Sharma | February 2, 2025The center will combine research with clinical care to further the treatment of smell and taste disorders.
