From the Empire State Building to Chicago’s Willis Tower, cities across the nation are stepping up for Friday February 5^th and national Wear Red Day.  MetroSouth Medical Center employees proudly joined the campaign to raise awareness for women and heart disease

Red is the color of the heart, so that’s the basis for Wear Red Day.  Everyone needs to understand that heart disease is still the number one killer of women in the country. It’s seven times deadlier than breast cancer, even in young women.  In Illinois alone, over 13,000 women died of heart disease in 2006.

In addition to the group gathering at MetroSouth for Wear Red Day, MetroSouth also sponsored a day of free heart screenings and healthy snacks and recipes on February 6^th with area residents.  NBC5’s Andy Avalos, WCIU’s Jeanne Sparrow and other Southland dignitaries were present to underscore the importance of Knowing Your Numbers By Heart.

In fact, MetroSouth Medical Center is running a month long campaign urging area residents to better understand their heart.  Free screenings are being offered throughout the area which provide blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index readings.

Find a heart screening near you!

For questions or to register for the free screenings call 708-489-7927

Blue Island

Tuesday, February 9

9 – 1 p.m. ; 4 – 7 p.m.

Blue Island Park District

Banquet Hall

12804 South Highland Ave.

Blue Island, IL

Wednesday, February 24

9 – 11 a.m. ;4 – 7 p.m.

MetroSouth Medical Center

Main Lobby

12935 S. Gregory St.

Blue Island, IL 60406

South Holland

Thursday, February 11

9 – 11 a.m.

4 – 7 p.m.

MetroSouth South Holland Health Center

401 E. 162^nd St., Ste. 207

South Holland, IL 60473

Chicago (Morgan Park)

Tuesday, February 16

9 – 11 a.m. ; 4 – 7 p.m.

Morgan Park Health Center

1701 W. Monterey

(111^th and Vincennes)

Chicago, IL 60643

Alsip

Tuesday, February 23

9 – 11 a.m. ; 4 – 7 p.m.

Alsip Health Center

12246 S. Pulaski

Alsip, IL 60803