VERO BEACH — Heart disease is still 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 first-ever ‘Day of Dance for Your Health’ event at Indian River Mall in Vero Beach on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 gift certificate from Macy’s. The first 100 ladies will receive a complimentary swag bag full of goodies and surprises.
This is the eighth annual Day of Dance with more than 80 hospitals and health systems throughout America sponsoring the event in their hometowns on Feb. 25. 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 (AF). This event combines the fun of dancing to different kinds of music, such as ballroom, 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 (BMI), 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.
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 Geoff and Dana of 97.3 FM The Breeze and 97.1 FM Ocean radio stations, who will at some time do some dancing of their own. 14th Street Dance Studio has organized a steady stream of dance routines, including demonstrations and instructions for Zumba, salsa, tango, hip hop, samba, jive, swing, ballroom and belly dancing, and Latin dance fitness.
A very special act by IRMC physicians in their white IRMC lab jackets, the High Noon Electric Slide, will be performed on stage at 12 p.m., led by medical oncologist Dr. Michaela Scott and neurologist Dr. James Shafer.
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 IRMC at (772) 567-4311, press 3, ext. 1600, or go to www.IRMC.cc, www.facebook.com/IRMCvero or www.twitter.com/IRMCvero.