On Feb 6, North Shore Bank employees helped spread awareness of heart disease in women by wearing red for the American Heart Association’s National Go Red for Women day.
Go Red for Women is a national movement started by the AHA to fight heart disease and stroke in women, and to remind Americans that these diseases afflict women as well as men. (In fact, more women than men die of heart disease and stroke, according to the AHA.)
In Brookfield, members of the Corporate Community Outreach Committee put together surprises for employees there. They prepared packages that each contained a couple of Dove chocolate hearts and heart-healthy recipes, along with a note that urged: “LOVE YOUR HEART.” The bags were left on employees’ desks to be found the morning of the 6th.
Here are the two heart-healthy recipes, courtesy of the AHA and Corporate Receptionist Nancy Hanson:
Creamy Cucumber-Dill Dip
Add these heart-healthy bites of veggies bursting with flavor to your next meal.
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
Half of a medium peeled, finely chopped cucumber
2 Tbsp fresh chopped dill (or 1½ tsp dried dill)
2 tsp minced onion
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well. Refrigerate prior to serving. Use this dip for fresh veggie sticks or as a creamy topping for grilled salmon or chicken.
Burger Soup
This kid-friendly recipe is a great way to get children into the kitchen to help and to learn some heart-healthy recipes.
Ingredients
1 lb extra-lean ground sirloin
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
15-oz can no-salt-added or low-sodium tomato sauce
14½-oz can chopped no-salt-added or low-sodium tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
16-oz package frozen mixed vegetables
1/3 cup brown rice, uncooked
In a large pot, cook the meat, onion and garlic over medium heat until the meat is done. Drain excess liquid. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, broth, mixed vegetables and rice. Cover the pot, allow the mixture to come to a boil, reduce heat and cook 35 minutes or until rice is tender.
The AHA wants to remind everyone that while wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke is important, it is even more important that efforts to end the diseases don’t stop there. You can volunteer your time or donate to the organization. For more information, visit goredforwomen.org. And remember:
Get your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose.
Own your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active, and eat healthy.
Raise your voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
Educate your family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.