Shades of Red event is Friday
GREENCASTLE -- An evening of fun and fashion is planned for Friday -- all in the name of women's heart health awareness.
Shades of Red, a fashion show sponsored by the Putnam County Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and Martin's Emporium, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle.
The fashion show will feature red formal dresses from Martin's Emporium, modeled by local women and girls. The event is in its second year.
"It's basically a fashion show to raise awareness," said Sarah Thomas, PCH marketing assistant. "The red dress is the national symbol for women's heart disease awareness."
The show has been moved to a larger venue this year to accommodate more attendees. All proceeds will benefit the Putnam County Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
"All the money stays local," Thomas said.
PCH Cardiac Rehabilitation registered nurse Kim Carter said she is hoping this year's event is even more successful than last year's.
"It's just a fun thing," she said.
Traditionally, heart disease has been thought of as something that mainly affects men.
"A lot of the symptoms are different for women than they are for men," said Jennifer Dobson, an exercise specialist at the PCH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. "Women sometimes don't get the crushing chest pain. Instead, they might get a slight backache."
Denise Stepro, a registered nurse in the department, agreed.
"The symptoms can be a lot more vague," she said.
Dobson and Stepro said more women come through the cardiac rehabilitation department than in the past.
"People are more aware of this as a women's issue," Stepro said. "Women used to be put off if they thought they were having problems with their hearts. Health professionals as a whole, I think, are more aware."
Two phases of cardiac rehabilitation are available at PCH. Phase II is monitored exercising, which patients are advised to participate in after a cardiac event, and Phase III is conditioning exercises, which patients can opt for and pay for privately.
"Seeing how they improve is amazing," said Stepro. "At the beginning, they may only be able to tolerate three or minutes of exercise. At the end, they can do 45 minutes."
Dobson said patients also benefit from being with others who have been through the same health trials they have.
"They can exercise with other patients," she said.
Free blood pressure screenings will also be available at Shades of Red.
Tickets are $5 at the door, or can be purchased in advance at the PCH Gift Shop for $4 each. Questions can be directed to 655-2580, 655-2583, Ext. 2 or info@pchosp.org.