Mat-Su Regional set to ‘Go Red’ tonight

PALMER — It’s time again for one of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center’s (MSRMC) biggest events of the year, the annual ‘Go Red’ event. Starting at 5 p.m. the public is invited to this informative and potentially lifesaving event focused on heart health.

“I think we’ve helped a lot of people,” said Nancy Eyraud, Chest Pain Center/Stroke Program Coordinator for Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

Attendees are encouraged to wear red during this event and to join in on the annual group photo with MSRMC as the event wraps up. There will be food, speaker presentations, cath lab demonstrations, CPR workshops, blood pressure checks and other heart-conscious activities. The prevailing goal is to raise awareness about the cardiovascular health and the accompanying risks a great many either shrug off or have no idea about. According to Eyraud, 50 percent of heart attacks are preventable. She said one of the biggest dangers is that many people are unaware or in denial of the fact that they are even having a heart attack.

“It can actually happen to you or someone you love,” Eyraud said.

This event has a strong focus on women but over time, Eyraud said that they made it more inclusive, “heart health for everyone.”

“Men are totally welcome,” she said. “I think we are seeing a lot more women bringing their husbands to these events.”

According to Eyraud, women have significantly growing rates of mortality from heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular troubles. She said women often under report or simply ignore early warning signs.

“They’re too busy taking care of everyone else,” she said.

She also noted that their symptoms tend to be less pronounced than their male counterparts, who have the typical “Hollywood heart attacks.” Women tend to wait too long, once they finally have serious, life-threatening symptoms. She said that “time is muscle,” meaning the quicker someone gets treatments, the less muscle damage they sustain. She said events like this are a part of the hospital’s ongoing mission to educate the public, hoping to curve these staggering statistics.

“I think we’ve helped a lot of people,” she said.

According to Eyraud, MSRMC was the first hospital in the state to establish a chest pain center. Alaska Regional Hospital followed suit about a year after. Eyraud will be leading the CPR workshops at the ‘Go Red’ event. Lack of exercise, poor diet and family history are some of the most substantial risk factors for heart related difficulties. Attendees can talk to her, fellow staff members and volunteers about the many ways to make lifestyle changes for a healthier, more protected heart.

For more information about this national event by the American Heart Association, visit www.goredforwomen.org/fight-heart-disease-women-go-red-women-official-site/get-involved/red-dress-collection.