FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar 16, 2009

Women’s Heart Health Fair at St. John’s Mercy Hospital a Success

More than 250 women attended the Sister to Sister Heart Health Fair at St. John’s Mercy Hospital on Feb. 28.

“The event was about empowering women by offering them information about heart health and heart disease,” said Terri L. McLain, president of St. John’s Mercy Hospital. “We offered guests health care information from our medical experts, free heart-health screenings and 27 vendors who promoted heart healthy information.”

There were a total of 210 women who participated in the free screenings. The tests, which included cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and body mass index, can show whether people have risk factors for heart disease. McLain was one of the first in line to have her heart screening done because she wanted to show her strong commitment to the importance of women’s heart health and the need to understand your risks.

Lisa Martin, of Lonedell, attended the event. “I think it’s awesome. I told my girlfriend we need a girl’s day out. We’re both in our 50s. As you get older, you become more aware of your health,” said Martin. “This is a good place for people to start, because you can learn about heart disease and be screened for it.”

This was the first Women’s Heart Health Fair at St. John’s Mercy Hospital. The event also included 11 guest speakers, vendors such as Curves, the St. John’s Mercy Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center, Four Rivers Area Family YMCA and representatives from the St. John’s Mercy Hospital Emergency Department.  

Last year, in partnership with St. John’s Mercy Heart and Vascular Hospital, St. John’s Mercy Hospital provided transportation to the Women’s Heart Health Fair held at West County Mall in Des Peres. Washington residents Eunice Mauntel and Mary Jane Marquart took that trip last year and were happy to attend the same event so close to home this year.

“It was really nice to have it here,” Mauntel said. “I’m overwhelmed by how many people came (but) I think people are becoming more aware, especially women, because more information is available and because of events like this.”

“In just one session this morning,” she continued, “when Dr. Jeanne Cleveland spoke, I learned more about what to look for in my life that might signal heart disease and how to overcome them.”

Dr. Cleveland is a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. John’s Mercy Heart and Vascular Hospital. Her presentation, Change of Heart: Making Important Changes for a Healthy Life, was one of eight topics that were offered by experts during the four-hour event. Other topics included when to go the emergency room, adding exercise to the routine and healthy eating.

Mary Jane Marquart said she went to the Des Peres event last year because, “I wanted to be healthy so I could enjoy my retirement.” When she heard she could attend the event close to home in 2009, “I hoped it would have all the things St. Louis had last year, and it’s fantastic. As much as I thought I was doing things that were healthy, I found out I didn’t know as much as I thought.”

While Marquart found out she needs to reduce her risk for heart disease, Mauntel said, “I’m breathing a sigh of relief because my numbers are fine.”

She added, “This event is a real service to the community. I would come every year that it’s offered. It’s so much more relaxing and fun than going to a doctor’s office to receive the screenings, and you learn so much about heart health.”

McLain heard stories from many women at the event.  

“I heard guests talk about how there was so much to do, they were learning so much and what a service the event was to the community,” McLain said. “Those are comments we hoped to hear, and I am so delighted that we heard them throughout the day.”

“This was a chance to really highlight our Hospital to the communities we serve; a chance to show off our co-workers and their expertise and dedication,” McLain said. “I was very grateful to have more than 100 co-workers there making the event possible and sharing their expertise.”

St. John’s Mercy Hospital held the event with the national Sister to Sister Foundation and St. John’s Mercy Heart and Vascular Hospital. Together, and by hosting this event, they are making a difference and touching lives through education and exceptional health care services.

“I know this event made great strides in educating the public about heart disease, the No. 1 killer among women in the United States, and it likely saved many lives,” McLain said. “Based on this success, we plan to do a Women’s Heart Health Fair each year until; hopefully, we no longer have a need to talk to people about heart disease.”   

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