Mat-Su Regional hosts annual ‘Go Red’ heart health event Feb. 9

PALMER — On Feb. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will be hosting one of its biggest events on its calendar, with the annual ‘Go Red’ event, designed to educate the public on heart health.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, attendees are encouraged to wear red to be part of the annual group photo the MSRMC takes at the end of the event.

This year’s main speaker is Dr. Barbara Doty, a longtime Mat-Su Valley physician.

“It’s free; just bring yourself,” said Doty, who will be speaking from 7 to 8 p.m. “There will be food available; you can learn CPR, get your blood pressure checked, and look at an echocardiogram.”

Doty said this year’s event will also feature a tour of the cath lab so people can see the procedures that go into seeing inside the cardiovascular system.

Doty said that while Alaskans tend to suffer from heart disease at a rate less than the national average, the same risk factors apply.

“Smoking, inactive lifestyles, diabetes are all contributing factors,” Doty said. “In women, rates of heart disease are increasing all across the country.”

Doty said it is especially important for women to get educated on the signs of a heart attack.

“It presents differently in women,” she explained. “Typically we think of left arm pain, shortness of breath — and that can be a representation, but often, women represent differently.”

Doty said there are simple, daily things everyone can do to improve their heart health.

“The best thing you can do for your heart — besides not being a smoker — is to get out there and exercise,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be heavy-duty, but do make it a part of your life.”