Putnam County employees, including County Executive MaryEllen Odell, celebrated the 10th annual National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 1, by dressing in red and having their blood pressures checked. Wear Red Day brings awareness to the fact that more women in the U.S. die from heart disease than all cancers combined.
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell supported Wear Red Day by dressing in red and having her blood pressure checked by public health nurse Jeanette Baldanza from the Putnam County Department of Health.
Photo courtesy of Putnam DOH
It also kicks off American Heart Month, February, which promotes heart health for everyone. Both events are sponsored by the American Heart Association, the mission of which is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The screening was organized by the Putnam County Employee Wellness Program to help identify those with high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
“Often there are no signs or symptoms for high blood pressure — it is sometimes called the silent killer,” said Dr. Allen Beals, commissioner of health, “but left uncontrolled, this condition can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke and blindness.” Putnam residents are encouraged to visit their doctor for an annual physical to check for underlying risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure.
The Health Department’s mission is to improve and protect the health of Putnam County residents through prevention of illness and injury. For more information, visit their website at putnamcountyny.com; or visit their social media sites on Facebook at facebook.com/putnamhealth and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.
