NEW YORK (PIX11) — This Women's History Month, community efforts aim to empower women to put their health first.
Free health checkups for women were held in Harlem today. The women had their weight, blood pressure and waist circumference measured, as well as information about appropriate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The event was hosted by Mount Sinai Faster Heart Hospital and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
“If you know your risk factors and manage your health, you're already protected,” says Dr. Isilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
According to the CDC, more than 60 million women in the county live with heart disease. It is also the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
Dr. Isilma Fergus says African American women and people of color are at higher risk for the disease and suffer the worst outcomes, but most cases are preventable.
“Women in our community are doing 500 different things and not really taking care of themselves, so this is an educational disparity, and we have to understand the contribution of social determinants of health. And in some communities, there may be no or limited access to health care.”
Stephanie Foster attended the event and had her number checked. For the 68-year-old Harlem resident, it's important to be aware of risk factors for heart disease.
“I wanted to get as much information as possible, especially since high blood pressure and diabetes are such an issue in our area and especially out of control with our diets.”
Dr. Fergus says it's essential for all women to know their numbers, while also understanding that stress and inflammation play a role. She added that managing these factors could save her life. Blanche Johnson agrees. The 76-year-old Harlem resident has two grandchildren who she hopes will stay healthy.
“I think health is important.” Blanche Johnson
She added, “I want to be with you for a long time.”
Blanche's blood pressure wasn't very good on Saturday.
She now plans to take better care of herself and is grateful to organizers for providing information on how to stay healthy.
