(SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Jan. 22, 2013) Heart disease is the number one killer of women and 42 million American women live with some form of it. To educate all women about those dangers and provide support for those already affected, the cardiovascular nursing staff at Upstate University Hospital will present “Strong Women, Strong Hearts” in conjunction with  SUNY Empire State College, Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., at HealthLink OASIS Learning Center, 6333 Rt. 298, East Syracuse (next to DoubleTree Hotel off Carrier Circle). The day will be filled with fun activities including Zumba, belly dancing, reiki, massage and yoga. There also will be shopping areas with jewelry, food and other vendors. Admission is free.

According to Elizabeth Hartigan, RN, BSN, CCRN, at Upstate, many women are not armed with tools to help them heal and even more are unaware of the dangers they face by ignoring symptoms and placing their own health last on the list. “This event fills a need in the community for women to be supported and educated when it comes to heart health. Women focus on caring for others, and choose to ignore their own needs until it is too late,” explains Hartigan. “’Strong Women, Strong Hearts’ will educate women on prevention, and also provide emotional support and resources for women rehabilitating from a cardiac event.”

Attendees should register for the presentations they wish to attend. The speaking program features experts Dr. Luna Bhatta, Dr. Robert Carhart, Dr. Michael Costanza, Dr. Kaushal Nanavati, Andrew Heffner, J.D., Dr. Mike Gillespie, Peggy Lynn, M.A., Marie Pennucci, M.A. and Jennifer Orlowski, N.D.

The three presentation tracks are:

• Women and Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Review
• Vulnerability and Strength: Integrating and Expressing Both, Focusing on the Four Pillars of Wellness
• Nontraditional Health and Healing.

For the first time, the college is joining the Upstate cardiovascular nursing staff to present this event. “We saw an opportunity for our students to benefit from the information shared at ‘Strong Women, Strong Hearts,’” said Nikki Shrimpton, dean of the Central New York Center. “Our student population is older than typical undergraduates and face a much different set of challenges— many are working full time and managing families while earning their degree. Supporting this event supports our mission to help our students achieve balance.”

Registration for the event is currently open. For more information or to register, call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668.

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Media Contact: Susan Cole

Upstate Medical University

315-708-8024

David Henahan

SUNY Empire State College

518-587-2100, ext. 2918

David.Henahan@esc.edu