For Hometown News
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- Heart disease is the number one killer of American men and women, and more people die of heart disease than all forms of cancer.
That's why Indian River Medical Center is hosting the Treasure Coast's second annual 'Day of Dance for Your Health' event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at Indian River Mall in Vero Beach.
In addition to free health screenings, attendees will enjoy dance instructions and demonstrations, refreshments and some delightful prizes, including a free drawing for a $250 Macy's gift card. The first 100 ladies will receive a complimentary swag bag full of goodies and surprises.
This is the ninth national Day of Dance with more than 80 hospitals and health systems throughout America sponsoring the event in their hometowns. Day of Dance is a national program of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, of which IRMC is a member.
Spirit of Women Hospitals across the country are taking a stand against heart disease and other common cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation. This event combines the fun of dancing to different kinds of music, such as ballroom dancing, rock 'n roll, jazz, salsa, swing, and hip-hop, with health screenings and consumer education on heart disease and other important health topics.
Free screenings provided by IRMC will include: blood pressure, pulse, body mass index, finger stick glucose testing for diabetes, colorectal screening kits to take home, grip strength testing, height/weight and oxygen saturation measurement.
Participants will be encouraged to take written health-risk assessment quizzes to help determine their risk for the following diseases or conditions: cancer, depression/stress, heart disease, orthopedic problems, sleep disorders, and stroke. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary food samplings from various vendors.
In addition to 13 hospital booths from maternity and pediatrics to The Heart Center and cancer services and additional vendor booths, stage performances will be emceed by Dana from the Geoff and Dana Show of 93.7 FM The Breeze and 97.1 FM Ocean radio stations, who will at some time do some dancing of her own.
The company 14th Street Dance Studio has organized a steady stream of dance routines including demonstrations and instructions for Zumba, salsa, belly dancing, tango, hip hop, samba, jive, swing, ballroom dancing, belly dancing and Latin dance fitness. At noon, the public is invited to be a part of the 'Treasure Coast's longest-ever conga line,' led by IRMC physicians in their white IRMC lab jackets. More than 2,200 people attended last year's event.
Attendees will be encouraged to dance throughout the day as they learn how to help their families make healthy choices to easily incorporate into their lifestyles. They will also find out their personal warning signs and risk factors for heart disease, stroke and other medical conditions, all while having a good time.
For more information, call (772) 567-4311, press 3, Ext. 1600, or visit www.irmc.cc.