Success StoryGo Red for Heart Health



Go Red for Heart Health

Author: Sheila Fawbush

Planning Unit: Shelby County CES

Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

Plan of Work: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as in men. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable with lifestyle changes. 

The Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council planned a “Go Red for Heart Health” luncheon and educational program. The free luncheon was sponsored by ten community partners. The program included a hospital dietitian who has worked with many women with heart disease.  She provided information on healthy lifestyle changes including dietary changes that can improve our heart health.   The 102 attendees learned their risks for heart disease, warning signs of heart attack and stroke and the heart-healthy lifestyle changes needed to prevent heart disease. A mini-health fair included educational information from community partners and EMS providing blood pressure screenings. 

After the program all participants completed a plan of action to include at least two beneficial lifestyle changes that they would make to help prevent heart disease. A follow-up survey completed two months later by 23 participants revealed that 57% had increased their physical activity; 83% had increased their daily servings of fruit and vegetables; 52% were eating healthier foods; 61% had reduced portion sizes of food; 57% were choosing drinks with less sugar; 43% were monitoring blood pressure and 57% were using new techniques to handle stress better. These women implemented many smart choices to be good to their hearts.  






Stories by Sheila Fawbush


Super Star Chef

about 4 years ago by Sheila Fawbush

The mission of the Super Star Chef series is to provide a fun and educational experience for youth t... Read More


Master Clothing Volunteers - Sharing Sewing Success

about 4 years ago by Sheila Fawbush

Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, it can reduce stress and... Read More


Stories by Shelby County CES


Super Star Chef

about 4 years ago by Sheila Fawbush

The mission of the Super Star Chef series is to provide a fun and educational experience for youth t... Read More


Strengthening Extension's Outreach and Impact for Horse Owners

about 4 years ago by Corinne Belton

Educational programs that strengthen production skills of agriculture operations in Shelby County ar... Read More


Stories by Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)


Smarter Lunchrooms Movement

Smarter Lunchrooms Movement

about 4 years ago by Natalie Jones

Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and to pr... Read More


Facebook Live Encourages Healthy at Home

Facebook Live Encourages Healthy at Home

about 4 years ago by Kelly Burgess

Allen County falls below state averages in a variety of health indicators, therefore nutrition and p... Read More