Members of the Harlem Stars for Heart Committee: Monique Wells, Dr. Icilma Fergus, Ericka Davis, Dr. Teresa Kennedy, Beverly Paige, Dr. Janice Scobie
Dr. Teresa Kennedy and Lenny Green of WBLS
The Master of Ceremony for the day was Lenny Green, the host of the “Quiet Storm” on 107.5 FM WBLS. He masterfully guided the day with his deep rich voice. The expert panel was moderated by award-winning broadcast journalist Dr. Max Gomez from WCBS-TV and included panelists Dr. Valentin Fuster, Dr. Bredy Pierre-Louis, Dr. Olajide Williams and Dr. Jennifer Mieres.
To provide hands-on information, the event offered a series of workshops on cooking, stress management, CPR Anytime and the Affordable Healthcare Act. Presenters included Alfreda Thompson, Dr. Aloysius Cuyjet and Dr. Janice Scobie. I led the workshops on stress management and we even had a yoga demonstration during one of the breaks.
Here are some heart health facts and tips to remember:
-
* Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women.
-
* Women can experience a heart attack without chest pain. Instead, there may be upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
-
* There are things you can do to lower your risk including exercising at least 30 minutes a day, eating healthy, minimizing stress and no smoking.
Learn more about the prevention of heart disease.
The most touching part of the day was the tribute to Dr. Muriel Petioni. We presented the inaugural “Harlem Star for Heart Service Award” to her son in her honor. Dr. Petioni was renowned nationally for her commitment to women’s issues, community medicine, social justice and health care for the underserved. She was dubbed the “matron of Harlem health,” for her ceaseless work at Harlem Hospital Center and her own medical practice in the Harlem neighborhood. She was one of the first generation of Black doctors that were given staff privileges at Harlem Hospital in the 1950s, when most hospitals in the country still made Black physicians refer their patients to White doctors before admitting the patients to the hospital. Dr. Petioni died in December 2011 at the age of 97.
Dr. Muriel Petioni at the 2011 Go Red For Women Educational Forum & Luncheon with Dr. Teresa Kennedy, Egypt Sherrod and Star Jones in the background
I’m honored to serve on the Harlem Stars for Heart Committee which planned the event. Much thanks to the AHA team particularly Sherri Holman, Helaine Baruch, Margaret Cammarieri, and Jennifer Perez. I also serve on AHA’s International Stroke Committee, New York State Advocacy Committee, New York State Stroke Committee and Multicultural Leadership Committee. Learn how to get involved.
Read about the 2011 Harlem Go Red For Women Educational Forum hosted by Star Jones.
View video from the 2009 Power New York: Health & Empowerment Symposium hosted by Dr. Teresa Kennedy.
Listen to Dr. Teresa Kennedy talking about heart disease and healthy living on The Daily Dose WBLS 107.5 FM on behalf of the American Heart Association.
Contributed by Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, Ph.D., MBA.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT: Check out articles and tips on Healthy Living and Work & Life. For inspiration, go to our Quote Cards, Affirmations, Impressions, Postcards, and The Power of… column. Also, check out Power Living TV and The Power List of powerful books, movies and DVDs.
PRODUCTS & COACHING: For more, check out Power Living books, CDs and more. Need help reaching your health & wellness goals, clarifying your purpose or taking your work/life to the next level? Find out about our coaching services.
ADD YOUR VOICE: Share your comments below.
