The Washington Wizards Basketball and Zumba Support the American Heart Association!

On Saturday, April 9th, the Washington Wizards basketball team hosted the American Heart Association, as well as Zumba Dance enthusiasts, for a "Party Hearty" Zumba-thon fundraiser, which benefited the AHA. Before and during the basketball game, American Heart Association volunteers, including myself and Lauren Yee, Miss Teen China International, manned the heart booth in the concourse of the Verizon Center. We distributed vital information about heart health, heart disease, and stroke to the fans and listened to some touching stories from individuals who had been impacted by heart disease and stroke themselves. It is amazing to hear some of the stories of those who have been touched by heart disease. It reinforces that heart disease touches everyone in some way. 

At half-time, the Zumba dancers took to the court to preform an exciting, upbeat Zumba routine for the entire audience! Zumba, an exercise which incorporates dance and aerobics into a fun, party-like workout, is an official partner of the American Heart Association and produces Zumba-thon fundraisers for the AHA often. The American Heart Association also has a partnership with the NBA, who truly made the event not only possible, but a huge success! We would also like to thank Monumental Sports and Entertainment for organizing this fabulous fundraising event. 

I always feel that if I am able to share with one person the importance of heart health, then I have accomplished what I set out to do for the day, however, thanks to the NBA, the Washington Wizards, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, and- of course- Zumba, I feel that this event shared the importance of heart health with thousands of people, potentially saving hundreds, or even thousands of lives. For this, we should all be both excited and proud.

CHECK OUT THESE MOVES!
Clips from the Zumba halftime show:

~Juliana

Howard University Heart 2 Heart Ball a Success!

The Howard University School of Pharmacy chapters of  Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity (ΚΕ) and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Incorporated (ΚΨ) held their Annual Heart 2 Heart Ball (H2H) on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 7PM in Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn Center Ballroom. 


This effort, initiated by Dr. Khiana Willis, was created to raise awareness about women’s heart health in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red for Women Campaign. H2H, a School of Pharmacy tradition since 2008,was chaired by Kenya Lovett, a third-year student and member of  ΚΕ and co-chaired by Maria Ricasa, a second year student and member of ΚΨ. The emcees of the evening were ΚΨ Regent Christyn Mullen and ΚΕ President Claude Manjo. 


The event was semi-formal, and a crowd of 170 students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the community attended, wearing red dresses and ties in observance of heart disease awareness. Music, laughter, and important information surrounded guests as they enjoyed a three-course meal, followed by an evening of dancing. 


China Terrell, JD, an Attorney and Commissioner on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission for Mt. Pleasant, MD was featured as the keynote speaker. Her captivating story begins with a checkup where her physician indicated that her resting heart rate was much higher than normal and at the age of 27, Terrell had open-heart surgery. She reminded attendees to always “monitor  your heart rate” and to  “listen to your body”. 


Also in attendance was Gail Mates, National Spokeswoman for the Go Red for Women Campaign, who gave a riveting presentation on what it means to "Go Red", including her personal  story about heart disease in her family.  


Mr. Wendell Bunyan, Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, entertained as our pianist and Shawdae Thorpe, a graduate student at the College of Education, serenaded the crowd with her melodious voice. Several pharmacy students with alumna Bukola Akinsiku, Pharm.D graced the dance floor with a beautiful traditional African dance, choreographed by Akinsiku.

Leading up to the event, several students participated in community projects to spread awareness of heart disease including the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, 2011 NBC 4 Health Expo, as well as National Go Red Day.  National Go Red Day was held on February 4 in which students conducted blood pressure screenings, gave valuable health information, and also distributed red dress pins, the symbol for Go Red For Women, to those that signed up for the campaign at Howard University Hospital. 


Various fundraisers such as advertising space sold for the program book, a silent auction, and generous donations from corporate sponsors, including Rite Aid, CVS, Safeway, Wal-mart, SuperVALU/Shoppers, Grubb’s Pharmacy, AirTran, Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals, and others, helped fund the festivities and raise money for the AHA. The Office of the Dean and Howard Pharmacy Alumni also contributed to the event. This year, the KE and ΚΨ Heart 2 Heart Committee donated over $2600 to the AHA.
For more details about the AHA's Go Red For Women campaign, visit www.goredforwomen.org. 

National START! Walking Day

April is National START! Walking Month and what better way is there to kick off the month than with National START! Walking Day on April 6th?!

These days, adults are spending more time at work than ever before and children are spending more sedentary time behind electronics. An unfortunate side effect is that, as a nation, we're becoming more inactive. This is a problem when you consider the fact that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease!

But take heart! It's a problem you can help fix by convincing your company to take part in National Start! Walking Day.

Walking, an activity that we do many times a day and often don't give much thought to, is an excellent way to get in shape and improve your heart health!

Let's face it, we can't all be Lance Armstrong, with the endurance to ride a bike as fast as we can through the Tour De France, nor are most of us prepared to run marathons or compete in triathlons- I know that I'm not!

However, simply walking a little bit more every day can dramatically improve your health, increase your energy, and decrease your risk for heart disease- our nation's #1 killer of BOTH men and women!

The popularity of walking as a fitness activity has grown by leaps and bounds. Low-risk and easy to start, walking has proven its health benefits in numerous studies. An eight-year study of 13,000 people found that those who walked 30 minutes a day had a significantly lower risk of premature death than those who rarely exercised. In addition, research has shown that regular walking can decrease total and intra-abdominal fat and reduce your risk of developing diabetes or breast cancer.

So, Get Up and Move it on April 6th!

On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It's a great way to raise awareness of the Start! movement and to give your coworkers a friendly push toward a healthier life.

BENEFITS, BENEFITS, BENEFITS!

1. LIVE LONGER!

Taking just 10 minutes three times a day to walk will help you live longer. Studies show that just one hour of vigorous exercise will increase your life expectancy by two hours. It makes sense to walk more and eat well - to live longer! 

2. BOND WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS!

Walking is a great bonding activity to do with family and/or friends! Walk at a pace that allows you to maintain a conversation and you're sure to improve both your health and your relationships!

3. LESS FATIGUE, MORE ENERGY! 

Feeling tired? A walk may be better than a nap for boosting energy and fighting fatigue. New research suggests regular exercise can increase energy levels even among people suffering from chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease.

4. SAVE MONEY!

Toss those nasty, and often unhealthy, energy drinks! Stop wasting energy on expensive caffinated coffee drinks, expensive personal trainers, and expensive gym memberships! Take advantage of the warm spring weather and exercise outdoors to boost your energy and your fitness!

5. BE PRODUCTIVE!

Reducing just one health risk increases a person’s productivity on the job by 9% and reduces absenteeism by 2%. The number of working Americans who get "no exercise" is 2x higher among those who have no access to fitness programs.

5. SAVE LIVES!

The Start! Heart Walk is the American Heart Association's premiere event for raising funds to save lives from this country's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - heart disease and stroke.Designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, the Start! Heart Walk creates an environment that's fun and rewarding for the entire family.
This year, more than 1 million walkers will participate in nearly 350 events. Your participation will help us raise even more in our fight to save lives. Walk with friends, family, coworkers or strangers you'll bond with along the way.
Any way you choose to do it, your heart will thank you for it!

6. IMPROVE YOUR CHOLESTEROL PROFILE!


7. LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE AND STRESS! 


8. PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN!

WALKING TIPS & TRICKS

1. DON'T FORGET TO STRRRETTTCH!!!

Check out the American Heart Association's Guide on Stretches for Walking - complete with diagrams and easy instructions!

2. WARM UP!

Warm-up should begin with low intensity aerobic activity that utilizes the muscles you will be using during your workout. If you’re a walker, this simply means that you walk at an easy pace for the first few minutes of your walk. Then, over the course of your warm-up, gradually increase your pace. The duration of the warm-up activity will depend on the intensity of your walk as well as your own fitness level. 

3. FIND A WALKING BUDDY, OR TWO!

Two heads are better than one! Walking with a partner or in groups discourages crime and may help alert you to dangers such as speeding motorists or unleashed dogs.

4. MOTIVATE YOURSELF BY REGISTERING FOR A HEART WALK IN YOUR AREA!

If there aren't any Heart Walks in your area JOIN THE POWER TO END STROKE VIRTUAL HEART WALK!

5. HOW TO START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT WITH A MORNING WALK:

• The night before, get your walking clothes and shoes ready so it’s easy to put them on and head out the door.
• An iPod or other portable music device programmed with up tempo music or set to your favorite radio station can keep you moving at a brisk pace. Just make sure you can still hear traffic.
• Stretch your calves and hamstrings at the end of your walk. Watching a morning news show or check your email while stretching.
• If it’s dark outside, wear clothing with reflective stripes so motorists can see you.

6. HOW TO FIT YOUR FITNESS INTO YOUR ALREADY BUSY WORK SCHEDULE:

• Schedule your lunchtime walk in Outlook or your work calendar. Think of it as an important appointment, which it is!
• If you can, keep everything you’ll need for walking at work. This way you won’t find yourself saying “I forgot my shoes. I can’t go.”
• Recruit a couple work colleagues to join you in the program. You can keep each other on track.
• Depending on your walking pace, the weather, and your tendency to sweat during exercise, you may be able to wear your work clothes and just switch to athletic shoes. Or you may prefer to slip on a t-shirt. In cooler weather, you might need a jacket, hat or gloves. If you’re walking briskly, you’ll heat up after about 10 minutes, so avoid the tendency to overdress. You’ll be MOVING, not sitting in the fresh air!
• Pick a route where you can grab a sandwich at the end of your walk, or make sure you bring a healthy lunch.

7. HOW TO RELIEVE STRESS FROM A LONG, HARD DAY WITH AN EVENING WALK:

• Have a light snack at about 4pm (for example, a yogurt and handful of almonds, or an apple and 1 oz of cheese) so you don’t experience a late-day dip in energy and talk yourself out of walking.
• Pick an area that’s not heavily trafficked since rush hour can increase air pollutants.
• Walk tall and do some backward shoulder rolls to relieve work stress.
• If it’s dark outside, wear clothing with reflective strips so motorists can see you.

8. BE SAFE!

• Avoid traffic accidents. Listening to lively music while you walk is a great way to energize your workout. But if you wear headphones, keep the volume down and watch out for traffic that you may not hear. Wearing light colors or reflective clothing is best as well as carrying a flashlight or glow stick if you walk when visibility is low. Walking on sidewalks is best, but if you have to walk on the street, stick to streets with lower speed limits. Faster streets are riskier because motorists are less likely to see pedestrians and cannot stop as quickly. Accidents involving pedestrians have an 85% chance of becoming fatal if the car is moving at 40 mph as compared to only 5% if the speed is 20 mph.
• Know your area. Pay attention to what businesses are open in the area you’ll be walking and know the location of emergency telephones. Walk on well-traveled streets rather than taking shortcuts in less crowded areas such as alleys or parking lots. If you give the message that you are calm, self-assured and have a purposeful gait, you’ll lower the chances of becoming a victim.
• Listen to your body. If you experience foot, knee, hip or back pain when walking, STOP and check with your doctor to find out the cause. You may need special exercises or better shoes. If you have osteoarthritis and experience increased joint pain lasting an hour or two after walking, consider an alternate activity like stationery cycling or water exercise. Don’t stop exercising altogether!

9. COOL DOWN! 

The purpose of a cool down is to lower the heart rate and metabolism slowly, which helps to avoid blood pooling, cramping or stiffness after a workout. 

By cooling down, you ensure circulation is maintained to vital organs so you’re less likely to become lightheaded or dizzy. 

The heart is also protected by cooling down because it reduces high concentrations of hormones like adrenaline, which makes upset the heart’s rhythm less likely. 

A great way to cool down after walking is to go at a slower pace and to stretch the muscles that you just worked.

10. EQUIP YOURSELF! 

Cinderella isn't the only one who needs a shoe that fits "just right"! 

Walking shoes should be lightweight and breathable. Walkers strike first with their heel and then roll onto the ball of their foot, so cushioning should be thickest in the heel and the shoe should be flexible enough to bend in your hands. 

Running shoes provide even more cushioning and flexibility, so a running shoe is also an option to use while walking. 

Multi-purpose shoes such as cross trainers may be a good alternative for those who want to combine several sports or activities, such as walking and tennis or weight training, in a single workout.

Remember, no matter how popular a shoe is or how good it may look, it won’t do you any good if it doesn’t support your unique foot or causes blisters.


When purchasing shoes for a specific sport or fitness activity, consider your foot type. People with high-arched feet tend to require greater shock absorption than those with average feet. High-arched (cavus) feet also suffer from lateral instability and are more prone to ankle sprains. Conversely, people with low arched (“flat”) feet require shoes with less cushioning but greater support and heel control.

Athletic shoes no longer require a break-in period. However, they will lose their cushioning after three to six months of regular use (or 350-500 miles of walking or running). It is important to be aware of when your shoes need to be replaced because, if they are no longer absorbing the pounding and jarring action of the sport, you are more likely to sustain knee and ankle injuries. 

A final consideration when buying athletic shoes is price. It is possible to spend anywhere from $19.99 for no-name brands to more than $170 for Reebok’s or Nike’s latest technological wonder. A high price doesn’t always guarantee the right fit or features. You can find a pair that provides excellent support, cushioning and fit in the middle price range. 

For fitting tips and athletic shoe recommendations visit the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine

Get Others Involved!

• Begin by inviting coworkers to wear their sneakers to work
• Encourage employees to get in their 30 minutes of walking that day.
• Change one of your meetings to a walking meeting, and let your colleagues know why.
• Start! Shopping for something green to wear. It shows you support the American Heart Association's walking movement.
• Host a walk and/or rally to show your commitment to living longer, healthier lives.
• Get the word out about your walk by first registering for our free, downloadable National Start! Walking Day Tool Kit. In your confirmation e-mail you'll have a link to access posters, flyers, e-mail scripts and more to easily promote National Start! Walking Day in your workplace.
• Join others across the country and be part of the solution to get America walking.
• Discover and share more information from the American Heart Association about why physical activity is so important.
• Rally your family, friends and neighbors to walk on April 6th - and every day!

Heart disease is this country's No.1 killer. But by exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk. That's what the Start! Movement is all about!

Countless people across the country are jumping on board. Join them in the Start! Movement, get walking and start taking a more active role in your health!

Walk more. Eat well. Live longer. Start today!

~Juliana