February 2005 News

Grand Rapids Physician Summarily Suspended - February 27th

MDCH Releases Exposure Investigation Report On Continental Aluminum - February 25th

Michigan's Surgeon General and MSU Women's Basketball Head Coach Named Co-Chairs of Youth Fitness Program - February 23rd

Olszewski To Serve On National Quality Forum Board: Appointment Acknowledges Michigan As Healthcare Reform Leader - February 17th

Michigan Flu Activity Still At Widespread Levels - February 17th

New Project Benefits Fish And Wildlife Consumers - February 16th

Michigan Flu Activity Now At Widespread Levels: Nearly All Confirmed Flu Cases Match Strains Found in Vaccine - February 11th

Port Huron Social Worker Summarily Suspended - February 10th

Dexter Physician Summarily Suspended - February 10th

MDCH Announces First Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign: Events Scheduled to Address AIDS Disparities - February 7th

Wisconsin Physician Loses Michigan License - February 4th

Grandville Nurse Loses License - February 4th

Michigan Surgeon General Debuts Michigan Steps Up Website: Pistons, Shock, First Gentleman Also Partner In Rollout Effort - February 3rd

Director Olszewski Encourages Capital City to Go Red For Women - February 3rd

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Grand Rapids Physician Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Israel Benjamin Eizyk, M.D., based on his felony conviction in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Kent County, Michigan. On September 15, 2004, Eizyk was convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault), a felony. As a result, Eizyk was ordered to pay $3,960 in fines, costs, and fees and was placed on probation for 24 months with terms. Eizyk’s conviction stemmed, in part, from threatening his ex-wife and son with a gun while he was intoxicated. On February 10, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Eizyk’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Eizyk’s medical license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

MDCH Releases Exposure Investigation Report On Continental Aluminum Results from an exposure investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) of an Oakland County aluminum smelter show no apparent health hazard to the surrounding community, officials said today. The exposure investigation of air quality around the Continental Aluminum plant in spring 2004 showed compounds that can be emitted by secondary aluminum smelters, but at concentrations well below acceptable levels, said Christina Rose Bush, an MDCH toxicologist. MDCH released the results of the study today for public comment, which outlines the analytical results of air sampling conducted in the township last year and the public health implications of those results. Bush said MDCH is recommending no further action at this site. Lyon Township officials and two environmental groups requested assistance from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in determining the public health impact that Continental Aluminum, a recycling aluminum smelter located in the township, might be having on the surrounding community. MDCH conducts public health assessments in Michigan for the ATSDR under a cooperative agreement. MDCH invites the public to review the Exposure Investigation Report and offer comments on it. Copies of the report are available for reading or photocopying at the Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon; the Lyon Township Public Library, 27025 Milford Road, New Hudson; and the Lyon Township offices, 58000 Grand River Avenue, New Hudson. The report is available on the MDCH website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics under the Health Assessments and Related Documents link. Due to recent increased community interest in the site, MDCH will hold two community meetings to discuss the findings of the report and take comments and questions. The first meeting will be Tuesday, March 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lyon Township offices, 58000 Grand River Avenue, New Hudson. The second meeting will be Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lyon Township Library, 27025 Milford Road, New Hudson. Questions and comments should be addressed to Christina Bush, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, 3423 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., BOW 214, Lansing, Michigan 48906. People may also call the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI-TOXIC) or e-mail their comments to bushcr@michigan.gov. Comments on the Exposure Investigation Report must be received by April 26, 2005. All comments received will be evaluated and considered, and written responses will be provided in the final version of the report. Information concerning the human health effects of exposure to environmental contaminants can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) web page at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html. Back to Top

Michigan's Surgeon General and MSU Women's Basketball Head Coach Named Co-Chairs of Youth Fitness Program Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General and Joanne P. McCallie, MSU Head Coach for Women’s Basketball, are teaming up as honorary co-chairs of a statewide exercise program that promotes fitness for youth in Michigan. A.C.E.S. (All Children Exercising Simultaneously) is a one-day youth exercise program intended to celebrate youth and highlight the importance of regular physical activity for all children. The 2005 event will occur on Wednesday, May 4 at 10 a.m. “I’m thrilled to be involved with A.C.E.S.,” Wisdom said. “Michigan struggles as does the nation with dramatic increases in the percentage of overweight children and childhood diabetes. Physical activity is a vital component of healthy lifestyle and must be a priority for our treasured young citizens. I urge all schools in Michigan to register and participate in A.C.E.S.” “It is a pleasure to again be part of the A.C.E.S. lineup,” said McCallie, a five-year veteran leader of this effort. “A.C.E.S. brings attention to the great benefits of physical activity. We are competing for a healthy future for our students and this event keeps us focused and prepared.” Last year, more than 800 schools – and 321,000 students – participated in the A.C.E.S. program. They join students from every U.S. state and 50 countries in what is called the world’s largest exercise class. This year, Wisdom and McCallie are striving to have participation from every county in Michigan. Michigan’s efforts are coordinated by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. A.C.E.S. launches both National Fitness Month and the Active Michigan Summer campaign, an effort to encourage citizens to use warm months of May through September to become or stay active. For more information or to register your school for A.C.E.S., please visit www.michiganfitness.org. Back to Top

Olszewski To Serve On National Quality Forum Board: Appointment Acknowledges Michigan As Healthcare Reform Leader Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet OIszewski will serve on the board of directors of a nationally renowned health care quality organization that strives to improve the American health care system. “As a member of the NQF board, Janet will bring her breadth of experience and knowledge of health care management to a national setting,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “Her experience with managing Michigan’s Medicaid system will be critical as the NQF develops solutions to improve health care for all Americans.” Olszewski will represent state Medicaid directors on the Board of Directors of the National Quality Forum (NQF). She was elected unanimously. Olszewski attended her first meeting of the Forum on February 7 in Washington, D.C. MDCH, created in 1996, consolidated portions of the former Department of Public Health with the Department of Mental Health and the Medical Services Administration. The Office of Drug Control Policy, the Office of Services to the Aging and the Crime Victims Services Commission were subsequently consolidated with MDCH. Olszewski, of Williamston, is a long-time health care executive for the State of Michigan. She was appointed MDCH Director by Granholm, effective on January 1, 2003. The National Quality Forum is a private, not-for-profit membership organization created to develop and implement a national strategy for healthcare quality measurement and reporting. The mission of the NQF is to improve American healthcare through endorsement of consensus-based national standards for measurement and public reporting of healthcare performance data that provide meaningful information about whether care is safe, timely, beneficial, patient-centered, equitable and efficient. More information about the NQF can be found on the web at www.qualityforum.org. Back to Top

Michigan Flu Activity Still At Widespread Levels Michigan’s flu season is in full swing, with health care providers seeing a 25 percent increase in the number of doctor visits related to influenza-like illness, state health officials said today. “Activity continues to increase statewide,” said Dr. Dean Sienko, acting state Chief Medical Executive. “Michigan’s disease surveillance system has registered a 25 percent increase in flu-like illness reported over the past week, which means that our state is in the heart of the flu season.” The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed influenza in138 Michigan residents. Of these influenza cases confirmed in Lansing, 104 of themwere type A. The remaining 34 cases have been confirmed as Influenza type B. Sienko said theinfluenza vaccine available this season should still provide good protection against nearly all of these viruses. Michigan’s flu activity is still defined as widespread, the highest level of flu activity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Sienko said that 7.2 percent of all visits to influenza sentinel physicians around the state are for influenza-like illness – almost four times higher than the national baseline of 2.5 percent, and more than double the activity levels Michigan experienced last week. Regionally, influenza-like illness visits to health care providers in southwestern Michigan (10 percent), central Michigan (8.6 percent), southeast Michigan (4.4 percent), and northern Michigan (5.0 percent), also increased dramatically. Each year, as many as 40,000 people, especially the elderly, in the United States die from complications of influenza. However, for the vast majority of people, influenza is unpleasant, but not serious or life threatening. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. This group includes people age 65 years and older and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and children between 6 months and 23 months of age also are at increased risk from flu complications. For more information on influenza, access www.michigan.gov/mdch. Back to Top

New Project Benefits Fish And Wildlife Consumers Citizens will be able to make healthier fish and wildlife consumption choices due to a new project released by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). This project is named the “Promoting Healthy Choices of Fish and Wildlife Consumption from the Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Tittabawasee Rivers”. “Residents of Tittabawasee, Shiawassee and Saginaw Rivers interested in gaming will be educated on how to do so without concern of putting their health at risk,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “The project will educate and inform people on where to find fish and wildlife that are considered low in chemical contamination and how to avoid those that are not.” Although a wide range of populations within the general public will benefit from this project, the primary goal is to educate individuals that are regular consumers of fish and wildlife in or near the Tittabawasee, Shiawassee, or Saginaw Rivers. Another objective in conjunction with this project is to identify the choices made by local fish and wildlife harvesters in that area. This is an expansion upon the Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide, which has resource support from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network. MDCH is cooperating with local organizations in the target location to assess the educational needs of the population at risk of consuming tainted fish and wildlife. Focus groups are being formed in order to evaluate the new educational materials before full dissemination into the community. Anyone with questions or an interest in volunteering for the project should contact Kory Groetsch, project coordinator, at (517) 335-9935 or groetschk@michigan.gov. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided funding of grants of up to $2,000 for local non-profit organizations interested in projects helping underserved populations. Projects would be required to provide healthy fish and wildlife consumption education and can include the purchase of educational materials, fishing equipment or other materials and funds for educational sessions. Any non-profit organization that has questions or is interested in applying for funding should contact Susan Manente at (517) 335-9003 or manentes@michigan.gov. Back to Top

Michigan Flu Activity Now At Widespread Levels: Nearly All Confirmed Flu Cases Match Strains Found in Vaccine State officials reported today that Michigan’s flu season may be nearing its peak, confirming that flu activity has reached widespread levels. “All of our reports from physicians and hospitals across the state suggest that Michigan’s flu season may indeed be peaking,” said Dr. Dean Sienko, acting state Chief Medical Executive. “Increases are occurring in virtually all sectors of our surveillance system. We continue to encourage citizens to get a vaccination, especially those in high or routine priority groups.” So far, the MDCH Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed influenza in 123 Michigan residents. Of these influenza cases confirmed in Lansing, 94 of them were type A – 93 of these are of the Fujian flu strain, which is covered in the vaccine. One confirmed type A case has not been subtyped by the laboratory. The remaining 29 cases have been confirmed as Influenza type B. "We ask that our patients in high-risk groups who have not yet had a flu shot – or family or caregivers of these patients – to call their county health department and get one," said John M. MacKeigan, M.D., President of the Michigan State Medical Society. "Prevention is so important including frequent hand washing, eating and sleeping well and avoiding those who already might be sick." Sienko said the influenza vaccine available this season should provide good protection against nearly all of these viruses. Widespread is the highest level of flu activity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Sienko said that 5.4 percent of all visits to influenza sentinel physicians around the state are for influenza-like illness – more than double the national baseline of 2.5 percent, and more than double the activity levels Michigan experienced last week. Regionally, influenza-like illness visits in southwestern Michigan (7.6 percent), central Michigan (6.5 percent), southeast Michigan (4.1 percent), and northern Michigan (3.2 percent), also increased dramatically. Michigan emergency rooms are also seeing increases in visits for influenza-like illness, and cases in school settings and nursing homes also are on the rise. Each year, as many as 40,000 people, especially the elderly, in the United States die from complications of influenza. However, for the vast majority of people, influenza is unpleasant, but not serious or life threatening. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. This group includes people age 65 years and older and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and children between 6 months and 23 months of age also are at increased risk from flu complications. Symptoms of flu include fever (usually high - 100 degrees F or more), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Illness usually lasts for 2 to 7 days, but complete recovery may take longer. Symptoms of the stomach and intestines, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are rare in adults, but are sometimes seen in children. Some people call diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting that lasts for a day or two 'stomach flu', but that illness is very different from true influenza. The best way to avoid getting influenza is being vaccinated against the disease, but there are other ways citizens can help prevent influenza and other illnesses, including: Avoid close contact – Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay home when you are sick – If possible, stay home from work, school, and delay errands. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. If you catch influenza, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to ill children or teenagers without first speaking to your doctor.) If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if you are having trouble breathing), you should contact your health-care provider right away. Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir and oseltamivir) can be used to treat influenza. All of them must be prescribed by a doctor. Antiviral treatment lasts for five days and must be started within the first two days of illness. These drugs cannot cure influenza immediately, but they can help you get better a day or two quicker. These are the only drugs that are effective against influenza. Antibiotics do not work against influenza. For more information on influenza, access www.michigan.gov/mdch. Back to Top

Port Huron Social Worker Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the certified social worker registration and the social worker registration of Tracey Ann Monroe, C.S.W., S.W., based on her felony convictions in the 31st Judicial Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Michigan. Monroe failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On October 20, 2004, Monroe was convicted of four felony offenses, which included, Attempted Larceny from the Person, Attempted Robbery-Unarmed, Larceny from the Person, and Larceny in a Building. As a result, Monroe was sentenced to jail for a period of 365 days with 16 days credit, placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay fines, costs and restitution in the amount of $2,752.64. On January 28, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Monroe’s registrations pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Monroe’s certified social work registration and social worker registration. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Dexter Physician Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Thomas Carroll Platt, M.D., based on his felony convictions in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Washtenaw County, Michigan. On October 5, 2004, Platt was convicted of four felony counts of Child Sexually Abusive Material-Possession and one felony count of Computers-Using to Commit a Crime. As a result, Platt was sentenced to 24 months probation with sentences to run concurrently on all counts and was ordered to participated in treatment and pay $1,640.00 in costs and fees. On February 2, 2005, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Platt’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Platt’s medical license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

MDCH Announces First Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign: Events Scheduled to Address AIDS Disparities In an effort to better the overall health of all Michigan residents, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is rolling out its first annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign. This campaign includes today’s Fifth Annual Observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day and the 16th Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS to be held March 6 to 12. “The disproportionate impact of AIDS on African Americans cannot be ignored,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “Educating citizens with HIV/AIDS prevention works, and we hope this awareness campaign will educate and galvanize communities to address this serious health issue.” Data from the Michigan Department of Community Health clearly illustrates the impact of AIDS on African Americans and the current health crisis that continues to devastate the Black community as a result. “According to MDCH research, it is estimated that as many as one out of every 100 African American males and one out of every 280 African American females in Michigan are infected with HIV,” said Michigan Surgeon General, Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom.“While African Americans comprise 14 percent of Michigan’s population, they represent nearly 60 percent of the cases of individuals living with HIV and 57 percent of those living with AIDS.” Events are being planned across Michigan to raise awareness and promote HIV testing among Michigan residents, especially African Americans. Panel discussions, speakers, rallies, community forums, teen summits, media discussions and articles, poster and essay contests, health awareness fairs, dinner programs, and HIV counseling and testing are among the many events that will kick off this campaign. “If you are concerned about possible HIV infection, get tested.” Wisdom said. “Knowing the results can save lives – yours and those who could become infected.” Activities will take place from February 1 to March 19 in many cities around the state. See the attached listing for events in your area. To find an HIV testing site in your area, or to obtain more information on the attached events, please call 1-800-872-AIDS Back to Top

Wisconsin Physician Loses Michigan License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Khalil Saada Baroud, M.D. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On October 20, 2004, Baroud’s license to practice medicine in the state of Wisconsin was revoked. The Wisconsin action was based, in part, on Baroud making sexual advances towards a patient. On January 18, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Baroud’s medical license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Baroud’s license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Grandville Nurse Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Barbara Jo McCarty, R.N., a/k/a Barbara Jo Kladder, based on her felony conviction in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Kent County, Michigan. On August 31, 2004, McCarty was convicted of OUIL/Per Se/OWI – 3rd Offense, a felony. As a result, McCarty was sentenced to serve 123 days in jail and ordered to pay an $8,100.00 oversight fee. Additionally, McCarty was placed on probation for a period of 60 months and required to abstain from the use and possession of alcohol or other intoxicants. Previously, on October 6, 1999, McCarty was convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL)/Per Se/Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – 2nd Offense Notice, a misdemeanor. As a result, McCarty was placed on probation for a period of 12 months, with terms, and ordered to pay fines, fees and costs in the amount of $930.00. On January 18, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending McCarty’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of McCarty’s registered nurse license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Debuts Michigan Steps Up Website: Pistons, Shock, First Gentleman Also Partner In Rollout Effort SOUTHFIELD - Moving more, eating better, and not smoking are three key behaviors that lead to longer life and improved health in citizens statewide, according to a new, coordinated effort designed by the state’s Surgeon General to create a healthier Michigan. “Now is the time for all of us - from every corner of the state - to take a unified stand against obesity, chronic disease, and unhealthy lifestyles and their serious toll on our economy and quality of life,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General. “In order to have productive and prosperous communities, we must have healthy people. Michigan Steps Up is the catalyst for that collective change.” At a launch event today at the Pistons Hoop City Grille in Southfield, Wisdom teamed up with First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, the Detroit Pistons and Shock, and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, and Health to kickoff the Michigan Steps Up campaign, which will debut this week across the state with a new interactive web site. “Connecting with communities is vitally important to the Palace organization, and so is supporting our Surgeon General and her efforts to improve health across our state,” said Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment. “The people of Michigan should be proud to have the country’s only state-level Surgeon General aggressively tackling these critically important issues.” The website, www.michiganstepsup.org, contains all of the tools citizens need to start improving their personal health, including personal planning tips that help individuals set and track goals, free healthy recipes and snack ideas, ideas for making healthy choices when eating out, daily health tips from Wisdom, and links to hundreds of health-related resources. Citizens can also call 1.877.422.4244 for additional information about the Michigan Steps Up initiative. The healthy lifestyles campaign will help to reduce risk factors that threaten the health of Michigan citizens by recommending increases in physical activity, improving healthy eating, and reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. “As a proponent of mentoring, inspiring children, and living by example, I believe that Michigan Steps Up provides a special opportunity for families in Michigan to get healthy together and for parents to teach their kids and kids teach their parents about having fun while making good choices,” said First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern. The healthy lifestyles campaign will help to reduce risk factors that threaten the health of Michigan citizens by recommending increases in physical activity, improving healthy eating, and reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. “The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness is pleased to support the Steps Up campaign. As citizens become more knowledgeable about the importance of making healthy choices, they will ultimately drive good public policy on topics such as safe routes to school, quality physical education and walkable communities,” said Marilyn Lieber, President and CEO of the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Back to Top

Director Olszewski Encourages Capital City to Go Red For Women February 4 Event Raises Women's Awareness of Heart Disease and Stroke WHAT: Kickoff for Capital City Goes Red, which is part of the month-long Go Red For Women campaign aimed at raising awareness about women and cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Everyone is encouraged to wear red for this event. WHO: Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski will speak on the importance of Going Red For Women and give women tips on how to live longer and stronger with a healthy heart WHEN: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 12 p.m. WHERE: Kickoff will be held in the Capitol Rotunda (Lansing, MI). Directly following, all are encouraged to join in a healthy walk to the Lansing Center (Lansing, MI). HIGHLIGHTS: Due to Valentine’s Day, February is often known for the emotional matters of the heart. Director Olszewski will encourage women to think about the physical nature of their heart and what every individual can do to engage in healthy lifestyle choices aimed at keeping their hearts healthy and strong. “Every minute in the United States, a woman dies from cardiovascular disease,” Olszewski said. “Fortunately, heart disease and stroke are largely preventable with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and positive lifestyle choices like quitting smoking.” Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women in the United States. Women are 15 percent more likely than men to die of a heart attack, twice as likely to have a second heart attack in the six years following the first, and women often have higher rates of risk factors for heart disease and stroke. “Helping women to understand their hearts, and the lifestyle choices that can keep a heart healthy is one of the most pressing public health issues,” Olszewski said. Back to Top