Heart Disease, Diabetes Prevention Focus of Heart and Style Conference and Fair for Black Women
Just in time for spring, the Heart and Style Conference and Fair -- now in its second year -- will unite health, beauty and fashion experts for a day-long health and lifestyle event designed to inspire and empower African American women to live heart healthy lifestyles. The conference and fair will be held on Saturday, March 18 from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. at the Wyndham Washington, 1400 M Street, NW.
Washington, D. C. (PRWEB) February 23, 2006
Just in time for spring, the Heart and Style Conference and Fair -- now in its second year -- will unite health, beauty and fashion experts for a day-long health and lifestyle event designed to inspire and empower African American women to live heart healthy lifestyles. The conference and fair will be held on Saturday, March 18 from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. at the Wyndham Washington, 1400 M Street, NW.
African American women are more likely to develop heart disease at an earlier age and two-thirds more likely to die of heart disease than white women. They are also 2-4 times more likely than white women to develop type 2 diabetes -- a major risk factor for heart disease.
Despite the threat to their personal health, many African American women are unaware of their risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. Attendees of the Heart and Style Conference and Fair will learn about their risks and the steps they can take to reduce them through educational workshops, health screenings, exhibitors and book signings. The event features several interactive activities, including a healthy food tasting, beauty makeovers, mini-massages and a fashion show that offers tips on heart healthy living interspersed with style and beauty pointers.
A dynamic roster of speakers has been announced including:
Dr. Andrea Sullivan, respected naturopath and author of A Path To Healing: A Guide To Wellness For Body, Mind and Soul; Angelique Shofar, yoga instructor and founder of the Spirit of Wellness; Dr. Patricia Davidson, noted internist and cardiologist, Washington Hospital Center; Terri Holley, MS, CHES, Heart and Style Health Coach and founder, Momentum Health Coaching; Niambi Jarvis, CEO of HiyaahPower. com and author of 100 Words of Wisdom for Women: A 31-Day Exercise in Empowerment; Darlene Mathis, nationally recognized image consultant and author of Women of Color: A Multicultural Guide To Fashion And Beauty; Dr. Andrea Pennington, President, The Pennington Institute for Health and Wellness and author of The Pennington Plan: 5 Simple Steps for Achieving Vibrant Health, Emotional Well Being and Spiritual Growth
In 2005 the fashion show featured a stunning collection of red dresses by Washington area fashion designers. A Tribute to New Orleans Style is the theme for both the fashion show and food tasting this year. The food tasting will feature healthy versions of New Orleans-inspired dishes and the fashion show will celebrate the style and spirit of New Orleans. Participating designers include Corjor International, organizer of DC Fashion Week, Evocative! Designs, Saeyoung Vu Couture, Lady of the House and Voluptuous Woman Company.
“The Heart and Style Conference and Fair provides a fun and supportive environment where black women can focus on their health. We encourage women to bring their mothers, aunts, sisters and friends,” says Judy Lubin, MPH, event spokeswoman. “We have heard from women who say the event changed their lives.”
A free, 12-week health coaching program called Heart and Style Big Rewards will also be launched at the conference. The program, sponsored by the Office on Women’s Health, is designed to help African American women and their families reduce their risk for diabetes. Program participants receive a pedometer and access to free telephone coaching for three months, a personal health risk assessment and special online resources and workshops.
Conference attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www. heartandstylewoman. com or by calling (301) 333-1470. The early registration fee is $20. General and onsite registration is $25 after March 12. Registration includes continental breakfast, conference materials and entrance into all workshops, the Heart and Style fair, fashion show and Healthy Food Tasting.
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