NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (November 25, 2019) — Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency medical provider in the Hudson Valley, proudly supported the annual American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon November 8 at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie.
As part of their sponsorship, Mobile Life purchased a table of 10 for the luncheon and a booth where they offered free blood pressure readings for event guests. Anyone who stopped in for a blood pressure check was offered the American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control.® Tracker card. Check. Change. Control. uses self-monitoring and tracking of blood pressure readings at home to help achieve and maintain a healthy heart.
Mobile Life plans to team up with the AHA and host several community blood pressure check events throughout the Hudson Valley in the coming year.
Mobile Life Public Relations Coordinator Tricia Mood was an Executive Team Leader for the Go Red For Women fundraiser, promoting the event, raising awareness and encouraging donations. At the luncheon, more than $13,000 was raised for the organization from the “Purse-onality” auction alone, as well as additional funds from donations, ticket/table sales and sponsorships.
Each year, tens of thousands of supporters come together at more than 180 Go Red for Women luncheons in communities across the country, united by a common purpose to end heart disease and stroke in women.
In the months leading up to the event, Better U Challenge participants provided emotional support for each other as they worked out and learned how to shop for, prepare and enjoy healthier food choices. Cholesterol and blood sugar levels were lowered, weight was lost, friendships were formed and lives were changed forever. At the event, dressed all in red, the ladies of the Better U Challenge, proudly strutted their healthier, new and improved minds, bodies and spirits down the runway as they were recognized for their efforts and achievements.
The keynote speaker was four-time Emmy Award winner and author, Mara Schiavocampo. The correspondent for ABC News’ Good Morning America and special correspondent for the Dr. Oz Show spoke candidly about her personal struggle with being overweight and unhealthy and the lifestyle changes she made to be a better, healthier woman with a significantly lower risk for heart disease and stroke.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, taking more female lives than all cancers, respiratory diseases and Alzheimer disease combined. Almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms.
Signs and symptoms may be common chest and left arm pain, but for women, it can often be back pain (particularly if it radiates), severe headaches, jaw or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting or dizziness.
Self-awareness, knowledge of family medical history, healthy diet, fitness and regular exams and testing are the most effective tools in battling cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Only 3% of women between 20 to 59 years of age engage in the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Smoking drastically increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Among adults aged 65 and older, men (53.0%) were more likely than women (30.6%) to have quit smoking.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
