Annual Women’s Heart Health Fairs

Put simply, Sister to Sister’s annual Women’s Heart Health Fairs save lives. Held each year during the month of February (Heart Health Month), our FREE, fun, one-day fairs offer:

• Heart disease screenings and risk assessments -- in just 15 minutes!
• On-site counseling sessions to create an individualized health-action plan.
• Medical experts taking questions and presenting cutting-edge information.
• Lifestyle pros demonstrating simple cooking, activity, and eating changes that can lower heart disease risk dramatically.
• Raffles, door prizes, massages, and giveaways that add to the fun.

Based on statistics from previous years, four out of 10 women attending our fairs will discover that they have two or more heart disease risk factors. With statistics like that, can you afford not to attend? Even better, bring a few friends!

Women take the time to protect themselves from heart disease by getting screened. It's the best 15 minutes you'll ever spend.

You can learn more about Sister to Sister's presence in the following cities:

• Baltimore
• Boston
• Washington, DC

Nothing nearby? Contact us and Sister to Sister will be happy to help you locate screenings and educational resources in your area. 

Executive Women's Events

Let’s face it: We women are our own best advocates. We’re natural-born problem-solvers who feel a duty to share the wisdom of our life experiences with others. Women can move mountains…if we know which mountains to move.

At our Executive Women’s events, held in cities nationwide, Sister to Sister helps women in leadership roles recognize that heart disease is a life-or-death issue for women that they can help resolve.

These events served as the kick-off to our National Women’s Healthy Heart Campaign.  Its goal was to reach women who are senior level executives, elected officials, and leaders in the community in order to encourage the women to promote the Health Fair to their employees, colleagues, family, and friends.

The attendees participated in free cardiovascular screenings with immediate results and personalized counseling sessions to demonstrate how and why screening interventions work to save lives. The screenings were graciously donated by our hospital partner, Adventist Healthcare.

Guests were treated to heart-healthy meals from local restaurants, a program of speakers from leading cardiologists and specialists in the field of heart health, information about heart disease awareness and prevention and exciting raffles and fun take home keepsakes.

Bike For The Heart

Thanks for Making Our 2009 Event a Huge Success
Together We Raised Over $300,000

For a few magical hours on Sunday, October 11, Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation took over Washington, DC's famous Pennsylvania Avenue to give families the ride of a lifetime down America's Main Street. Over 1,000 people turned out for this chance to get together with loved ones and get moving to lower their risk of heart disease in a memorable, meaningful way.

Perfect fall weather provided a glorious backdrop to our many celebrity-studded activities. Headliners included Washington Wizards' basketball star Caron Butler and DC's own Mayor Adrian Fenty, who rode in our Heart of the Nation Time Trial -- a race that boasted many award winning cyclists, including international phenom Evelyn Stevens. Inside the Verizon Center, radio personality Chilli Amar led hundreds of spinners in a center court session, while outside on Abe Pollin Way the world-famous clowns of Ringling Bros. and& Bailey® treated children of all ages to a big-top style spectacle of spellbinding comedy. Clown college, tricycle races, and red-rubber noses for every participant just added to the fun! So did an endless stream of prizes, donated by a host of generous sponsors and supporters.

Every dollar raised through Bike For The Heart goes directly to fund Sister to Sister's heart screenings and other programs to identify women at risk and reverse the effects of heart disease – the #1 cause of death in women. Special thanks goes to Greg Pellegrino, our #1 fundraiser, and Irene Pollin, Sister to Sister's founder and the visionary behind Bike For The Heart – an event that will now become a Sister to Sister tradition.

 

View more photos from 2009 BIKE FOR THE HEART!

It's not too late to get involved in this good cause:

Make a donation to Sister to Sister
Learn more about heart disease
Find out how to live a heart healthy lifestyle

Thank you to our generous sponsors who have made a commitment to support Sister to Sister's BIKE FOR THE HEART:

As presented by

 

Thank you to our Media & Entertainment Sponsors:

 

Blood Pressure Express

Sister to Sister, in partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, launched the Blood Pressure Express, a mobile community health initiative designed to bring heart health awareness to Newark, NJ residents.

A kickoff event was held on March 4, 2008 with the New Jersey Commissioner for Health and Senior Services and Sister to Sister. 

 

Darryl Dawkins, former NBA star and Community Relations Ambassador for the New Jersey Nets, and Kevin Rigby, VP of Public Affairs for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, show support for the BP Express.

The program featured the BP Express Van, a mobile unit staffed by nurses who provided free blood pressure screenings and distributed educational materials to thousands of Newark residents from March to September 2008.

The BP Express Van made visits to locations throughout the city, including:

• Churches
• Community centers
• Government buildings
• City parks
• Fire stations
• Companies
• Shopping centers

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among Americans. In Newark, 21% of city residents are living with cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease. It is often called the silent killer because high blood pressure has no symptoms but can lead to serious illness, including stroke, heart attack, eye and kidney problems, and even death. Click here to learn more about preventing and controlling high blood pressure. 

Cardiologist Exchange Program

The epidemic of cardiovascular disease in developing nations is growing at an alarming rate. China’s major health threats are chronic diseases, now accounting for more than three-quarters of all deaths. Specifically, cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in China, responsible for 2.6 million deaths annually. By 2020, this figure is projected to increase to 4 million deaths per year. The World Health Organization has estimated that the total cost of cardiovascular disease in China in 2005 was US $250 billion with projections for an increase to US $460 billion by 2015.

Still, the vast majority of cases are caused by a small number of known and preventable risk factors. Three of the most important risk factors are an unhealthy diet (processed foods that are high in fat and sodium), increased tobacco use, and, in places such as China, a significant move from rural areas to urban centers that has resulted in a more sedentary lifestyle and poor air quality. Fortunately, up to 80 percent of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease can be averted with known behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions.

Sister to Sister’s Global Cardiologist Exchange Program aims to increase international collaboration by establishing various networking opportunities during the foreign physicians’ visits that can be cultivated and continued once they return home.

In February 2010, through a grant from the American Women of International Understanding, two Chinese female cardiologists will spend two weeks in the United States participating in the program. This initiative provides international physicians with the opportunity to learn from top cardiologists and gain access to our country’s premier heart research centers.
 
In the United States, Sister to Sister has reached over 200,000 women with our heart health education and awareness efforts. Now we strive to help women around the world.

For more information, contact Dr. Lotti Letanoczky, VP of International Programs at 301-718-8033 or via email.

Medicare Screening Initiative to Reduce Healthcare Disparities

A pilot program to reduce healthcare disparities for underserved Medicare beneficiaries and increase the usage of preventive services was developed in partnership with Abbott and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  

They were attracted to Sister to Sister’s grassroots approach to screening women across the country, and approached STS to develop a pilot program that would increase the utilization of Medicare’s preventive services by 4%. 

The populations that were targeted included Hispanics and African-Americans in the lower income bracket, as studies have shown they are the least likely to be aware of and utilize Medicare’s preventive services.  The pilot program was developed for the residents of the District of Columbia, and ran in the summer of 2008.

Sister to Sister developed a program in which no-cost cardiovascular screenings with immediate results and counseling sessions were provided for Medicare-only eligible seniors in the communities where they live and congregate.  We provided questionnaires to help understand the barriers of access to care, such as transportation, cost, awareness of services, medical literacy and cultural issues. 

After the participants were screened and received personalized counseling sessions, they were provided with educational information on Medicare’s services and the opportunity to make follow-up doctor appointments on the spot.  Sister to Sister also offered additional support, including transportation to their follow-up visits. 

By providing immediate appointment times and transportation to their visits, the intention was to increase participant utilization of Medicare’s services, where they would be monitored. 

For the participants who agreed to follow-up phone calls from medical professionals, Sister to Sister was able to track the length of time between follow-up visits, services that were provided, and if they made additional appointments.

Sister to Sister received incredible support from a variety of community partners on this program, including the Office on Latino Affairs, the Office on Aging, Department on Public Health, Office on Women’s Policy and the Greater Washington Urban League.  Numerous clinics were contacted to provide additional appointment times and geriatric social workers were able to assist at the screening events.    

Dr. Edward J. Roccella, Former Coordinator of the High Blood Pressure Education Program at the National Institutes of Health, and Sister to Sister Board Member, will be making a presentation at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting in October 2011.

   

Holly Heart Robot

Thanks to a little technology and a lot of heart, Holly Heart has been the official spokesrobot for the Sister to Sister Foundation since 2001.  In fact, she is the only spokesrobot for a non-profit health organization, and has always been quite ahead of her time! 

Commissioned by Mrs. Irene Pollin, founder of Sister to Sister, Holly loves to talk with women to raise awareness of heart disease, and to educate about the lifestyle changes that can lower ones risk of heart disease.  And she is always quick to point out that getting screened is the ONLY way to know your personal risk for heart disease!

Holly is quite knowledgeable about heart disease, and is extremely engaging and approachable.  Holly has made an appearance on The Today Show with Katie Couric, served as an advocate for heart disease awareness on Capitol Hill, entertained Washington Wizards fans during their half-time show and has mingled with the crowds at Sister to Sister's Heart Health Fairs across the country.

 

And if that’s not enough, Holly also entertains!  She particularly likes to sing her own version of “If I Only Had a Heart” from The Wizard of Oz.  Do you know any other robots that can do that?

Holly will be taking up residence at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where she will continue to educate and entertain people as she shares her messages of heart health awareness and education.  

If you would like more information about Holly Heart, please do not hesitate to contact Sister to Sister.

YouTube Videos

Take a look at our YouTube Videos featuring Holly Heart! Click the thumbnail to view the video.

	Holly Heart on the Today Show in 2003. She was a robot that was used as a spokes robot for Women’s Heart Day.
	News Channel 8 broadcast from the Verizon Center in 2003 and Holly Heart speaks on how important it is to be screened.
	CBS 46 news talking to Holly Heart, the Sister to Sister spokes-robot. 2002.
	Holly Heart is the spokes-robot for Sister to Sister. She is a fully functioning robot that is used to create awareness around heart disease. She was used at different heart fairs and other events.

 

We Can Together!

We Can Together!, a grassroots educational campaign held in Washington DC, was designed in 2006 to encourage families to make lifestyle changes to help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  Partners in the campaign included the DC Mayor’s Office, NHLBI, the Boys and Girls Club and the Washington Wizards basketball team.  The program, initially developed by the NHLBI, was provided to African-American and Hispanic families. 

National Partners

Meet our National Partners who support Sister to Sister's efforts to reduce the risk of heart disease in women:

	AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.
	The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services.  create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
	AstraZeneca's mission is to make a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bring benefit for patients and add value for our stakeholders and society. We discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines for six important areas of healthcare, which include some of the world’s most serious illnesses: cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infection, neuroscience, and respiratory and inflammation.
	The Cardiovascular Wellness Service is a multidisciplinary effort of Brigham and Women's Hospital, dedicated to preventing heart disease and promoting heart health.
	The Female Patient is a monthly clinical publication providing the latest advancements in women's health care to clinician's and patients in order to benefit patient care.
	Glamour Gone Good, Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization that is engaging glamour industry professionals in charitable giving activities to benefit national charities dedicated to empowering women and girls to reach their fullest potential.
	Cabot Creamery is a 1,200 farm family dairy cooperative with members in New England and upstate New York. We value our roots as a cooperative ~ and as a way of doing business.

 

Government Partners

Meet our Government Partners:

The Heart Truth and Red Dress are trademarks of DHHS. Participation by corporate sponsors does not imply endorsement by DHHS/NIH/NHLBI.

Medical Partners

This is a sampling of the Medical Partners that Sister to Sister has collaborated with to bring free screenings to women in communities across the country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing Partners

Glamour Gone Good is an organization that is activating glamour industry professionals to engage in philanthropy and generate new revenue sources for organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls to reach their fullest potential.  Sister to Sister is very proud to have been selected as one of Glamour Gone Good's beneficiaries for 2010.

The principal goal of The Female Patient is a monthly clinical publication providing the latest advancements in women's health care to clinician's and patients in order to benefit patient care.

The Buzz on Bioidenticals is a program that provides menopause information to women and their health care professionals. The program was developed by The Female Patient, a medical journal for obstetrician-gynecologists.  The program is supported by an educational grant from Ascend Therapeutics Inc.

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization that promotes the health of women and newborns.  Their mission is to strengthen the nursing profession through the delivery of superior advocacy, research, education and other professional and clinical resources to nurses and other health care professional.

EmpowHER is a unique online resource dedicated to helping women improve their health and well-being. We provide up-to-date medical information, access to leading medical experts and advocates, and a devoted community of women who ask questions, share stories, and connect with one another in a safe and supportive environment.

WITI is the premiere global organization empowering women in business and technology to achieve unimagined possibilities.  WITI's mission is to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bike For The Heart Partners

Our corporate sponsors made the Sister to Sister Bike For The Heart event a huge success by joining us as partners and community leaders.

Thank you to our generous sponsors who commited to support Sister to Sister's Bike For The Heart:

Thank you to our Media Partners:

Thank you to our participating companies who rode along side us:

Geico
Clark Construction
Washington Sports & Entertainment
Washington Wizards
Sport & Health
Association of Black Cardiologists

"Building Wellness One Heart at a Time" Study Open for Enrollment

Sister to Sister, in conjunction with Brigham and Women's Hospital, is proud to announce a comprehensive online wellness study developed to empower users on their path to a healthier heart!

"Building Wellness One Heart at a Time" is a six month study designed to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by using a variety of online tools.  All participants will be offered two free blood screenings to test their risk factors for heart disease and to provide an accurate assessment of their heart health. 

There is a comprehensive Health Risk Assessment (HRA), which is a tool used to calculate personalized risk for heart disease based on a survey.  Results are available instantly along with recommendations to help improve those risk factors.

There is access to a variety of useful tools to help you lower your risk for heart disease throughout the study, including: 

• Health Profile
• Meal Planner
• Food Log & Nutrition Tracker
• Wellness Articles 
• Recipe Analysis
• Exercise Logs
• Pedometer Tracker
• Exercise Plans & Demonstrations

This program and study are FREE and allow you use of the on-line tools, no-cost vouchers to complete two free blood screenings, and the opportunity to work with a health coach.  The attached FAQ sheet provides additional information.

Your personal information remains confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please sign-up (it's quick and easy!) and then click on the home page graphic, "Join the Building Wellness One Heart at a Time Study". 

From here, you will be asked to read and accept via electronic signature the 'Building Wellness One Heart at a Time' consent form.  After enrollment, you will receive a voucher for a free blood draw at the nearest Quest Diagnostic Lab.

We encourage you to participate so that not only can you take advantage of all that our free online wellness program has to offer, but also to receive two free tests measuring your cholesterol and glucose levels throughout the program.

We hope you decide to participate in this important study.  You will be helping to reduce your own personal health risk, while helping others in identifying programs that can help prevent and reduce heart disease.

8th Anniversary of National Woman's Heart Day

Tommy Thompson, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, speaks at the 2003 National Woman’s Heart Day opening ceremony in Washington, D.C.

On Friday, February 21, 2003, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson proclaimed the third Friday in February as National Woman's Heart Day.

"I'm proud to declare this day, and the third Friday in every February, as Woman's Heart Day.  Only about one-third of American women know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. In fact, one in three women dies of heart disease," Secretary Thompson said. "The good news is that heart disease is preventable. There are simple steps to women's heart health: Be sure to exercise, eat fruits and vegetables, and don't smoke. Women also should talk to a health professional, find out about risk factors, and take action to control them."

Heart disease risk factors include those that are beyond women's control - family history of early heart disease and age, and those that can be controlled. The risk factors that can be controlled are smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. While having even one risk factor is dangerous, having multiple risk factors is especially serious, because risk factors can worsen each other's effects.

"We're delighted that Secretary Thompson has proclaimed today -- and the third Friday of every February -- as Woman's Heart Day. Raising awareness that there is a problem is the first step in getting women to make the changes in their lives that can help lead them to a healthy heart," said Irene Pollin, president and founder of the Sister to Sister Foundation."

Sister to Sister Advocates for Heart Disease Prevention on Capitol Hill

In its eighth year, Sister to Sister’s Heart Screening and Education Events were held in the House of Representatives on December 7, 2010, and in the Senate on February 14, 2011.  Close to 300 legislators and staff members learned their personal risk for heart disease, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it.

The Congressional event was sponsored by Congresswomen Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Lois Capps (D-CA), sponsor of the HEART for Women Act. 

Sister to Sister was proud to receive very generous support from Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (D-AK) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), both co-sponsors of the HEART for Women Act.

All screenings and counseling sessions were sponsored by George Washington University Hospital, Sister to Sister's exclusive hospital partner on Capitol Hill.  The tests included total and HDL ("good") cholesterol, blood glucose, BMI, Waist Circumference and blood pressure.  Immediate results were provided, as well as individual counseling sessions for those at-risk.   

In addition to the screenings, Sister to Sister provides education with an emphasis on heart disease prevention, recognizing heart attack signs and symptoms for women, understanding your personal risk  for heart disease and how to reduce it through healthy lifestyle choices.

Distinguished speakers for the events included:

• Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton discussed why she supports STS, and the signs of a heart attack in women they may not be aware of.
• Alex Sheff, Legislative Aide for Senator Deborah Stabenow, discussed why heart disease education, prevention and treatment must be personalized for women and why this issue is so important for the Senator.
• Dr. Shawn Howell, Cardiologist from George Washington University Hospital shared her clinical perspective, definitions of cardiovascular disease, how the disease differs for women, and steps to take to protect oneself.
• Frank Bailey, Director of Health, Education and Outreach for AARP spoke of the importance of partnering with STS to increase education that heart disease in women may be preventable with healthy lifestyle changes.
• Miss Stephanie Williams, the reigning Miss District of Columbia and GWU medical student, shared her vision on the importance of disease prevention.
• Barbara Teng, heart attack survivor and Sister to Sister spokeswoman, told her chilling story of surviving triple bypass surgery, how her appearance of being healthy led her to think that CVD would never happen to her, and the importance of understanding family health history.

Other services included free stress-reducing neck massages, reiki and nutrition consultations were offered by The Center for Integrative Medicine and personal fitness demonstrations by Results Gym in Capitol Hill. 

Sister to Sister would like to acknowledge its sponsors for their generous support: AARP, CVS Caremark, TheGreenNut, AstraZeneca, Clark Construction and Cabot Cheese . 

And a special "Thank You" to George Washington University Hospital for making the screenings and counseling possible.  We would also like to acknowledge the Office on Education and Training for hosting Sister to Sister in the Senate.  .

Sister to Sister will be returning to Capitol Hill late 2011/2012.  If you are interested in learning how you can participate in these events, please contact Lisa Townsend via email or at 301-718-8033 

Sister to Sister Highlighted in Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie Window

In honor of Sister to Sister’s work to prevent heart disease in women, Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, Washington DC, generously offered to highlight the Sister to Sister Foundation in their coveted corner store window during the month of February.

At the intersection of Wisconsin and Western Avenues, the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  The collection of flags represent efforts to raise awareness that heart disease is a global crisis.

Globally, each year cardiovascular disease causes 8.6 million deaths among women. This is the largest single cause of mortality among women, accounting for one-third of all deaths in women worldwide. 

Sister to Sister is very proud to partner with Neiman Marcus to raise awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women, both in the United States and worldwide.

 

 

Sister to Sister Partners with CVS Caremark to Support Heart Health

Sister to Sister is proud to announce its partnership with CVS Caremark.  This relationship will allow Sister to Sister and CVS Caremark to work together to reduce the risk of heart disease by sharing health information and collaborating on preventive health screening community events.  CVS Caremark has supported Sister to Sister heart-health screening events in the Baltimore community in August 2010, and as part of our Capitol Hill advocacy program in December 2010. 
 

CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. Through their integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care, they are uniquely positioned to provide greater access, to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health, and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors, and their members. As one of the country's largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), CVS Caremark provides plan sponsors and participants access to a network of approximately 64,000 pharmacies including more than 7,100 CVS/pharmacy stores.

Sister to Sister Proudly Partners With Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie

Sister to Sister would like to recognize the amazing support it has received from Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie in honor of our work to raise awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women, both in the United States and worldwide. 

Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie has partnered with the Sister to Sister Foundation by serving as the host for our third International Woman's Heart Day Screening and Brunch on Friday, February 18th, 2011.  The invitation-only event for female Ambassadors, spouses of Ambassadors and Embassy officials was a huge success, as over forty Embassies were present to learn about the global epidemic of heart disease, the importance of cardiovascular screenings and what they can do to help prevent heart disease in their own countries.

Neiman Marcus also generously offered to highlight the Sister to Sister Foundation in their coveted corner store window during the month of February.  The window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  The window display will allow Sister to Sister's message of heart-health awareness to reach a greater audience in the Washington DC area.

The Sister to Sister Foundation  is grateful for the generosity of partners such as Neiman Marcus, as their support enables us to continue our work of public awareness and education. the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  The the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.  the window showcased the Sister to Sister logo with website information, in addition to a collage of red hearts and international flags.

For over a century, The Neiman Marcus Group has stayed focused on serving the unique needs of the luxury market. Today, their commitment is stronger than ever by staying true to the principles of their founders – to be recognized as the premier luxury retailer dedicated to providing customers with distinctive merchandise and superior service. The Neiman Marcus Group is comprised of the Specialty Retail Stores division - which includes Neiman Marcus Stores and Bergdorf Goodman - and the Direct Marketing division, Neiman Marcus Direct. These renowned retailers offer upscale assortments of apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty and decorative home products. 

Bike a Major Artery to Save a Woman's Heart

Bike a Major Artery to Save a Woman's Heart with

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards to Serve as Co-Chairs for 1st Annual Event

Fundraising Event to Raise Awareness for Heart Disease – The No. 1 Cause of Death for Women in the United States

Washington, D.C. – Heart disease is the No. 1 one killer of women in the United States. Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation will be taking aim at the disease with the first annual BIKE FOR THE HEART, on Sunday, October 11. The fundraising event brings focus to heart disease with one in four women today dying of heart disease every year. District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Washington Wizards Forward Caron Butler will serve as Co-Chairs for the event.

"BIKE FOR THE HEART supports Sister to Sister's mission to help women take action to improve and maintain their heart health as well as the health of their families and communities," said Irene Pollin, Founder and Chairperson of Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation. "Initiatives like BIKE FOR THE HEART will enable us to continue to educate women about heart health and risk prevention, and provide free heart health checkups through our National Women's Heart Health Fair."

Sister to Sister's BIKE FOR THE HEART, is a series of three events taking place in downtown Washington, D.C. Kicking-off the day's activities at 8:00 a.m. on Abe Pollin Way in front of Verizon Center will be America's Main Streeter: a five-mile family-friendly bike ride around the nation's capital, and an Arena Spin-a-Thon on stationary bikes inside of Verizon Center. The third event of the day is the Heart of the Nation Time Trial: a five-mile time trial around the city. The Sister to Sister BIKE FOR THE HEART Festival, featuring activities for kids, entertainment and an awards ceremony, will take place on Abe Pollin Way outside of Verizon Center to conclude the Sister to Sister BIKE FOR THE HEART event. Registration and information on fundraising for all three events is available at www.bikefortheheart.org.

"I'm pleased to welcome Sister to Sister's Bike for the Heart to the District of Columbia," said Mayor Fenty. "Events such as Bike for the Heart make great contributions to health awareness and fitness in the District."

With heart disease being the number one killer of women in the United States, Sister to Sister's BIKE FOR THE HEART will become an annual event alongside the National Women's Heart Health Fairs. The annual heart health fairs screen women free of charge in 10 cities nationwide during the month of February in conjunction with National Women's Heart Day. In Washington, D.C., Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation has provided comprehensive screenings and counseling to over 10,000 women and more than 30,000 women have attended its annual heart health fairs. Sister to Sister is proud of the investment it has made in the District, estimated at over $2 million in saving women's lives since 2000.

Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation is the nation's only organization dedicated to preventing heart disease in women by providing free heart disease screenings and programs that give women the power to learn their risks, take action, and change behavior. Founded in 2000 by women's health advocate, Irene Pollin, Sister to Sister's programs and services include its signature National Women's Heart Health Fairs; the Women's Heart Health Data Registry in partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; and, educational events for women in leadership roles to disseminate the message throughout their local communities. For more information, visit www.sistertosister.org. For more information please contact Lisa Marinelli with Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation public relations at 301-718-8033 x. 37.

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Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation would like to thank its sponsors: Clark Construction, FELD Entertainment, GEICO, Hudson Trail Outfitters, Ltd., Mix 107.3, NewsChannel 8, Sport & Health, Verizon, Washington Mystics, Washington Sports & Entertainment, Washington Wizards, and WJLA-TV.

Rockin' for the Heart

Washington, D.C. - Legendary rocker Tina Turner's recent concert helped fund the important work of the Sister to Sister Foundation. Fans filled the owner's suite at Verizon Center for a special fundraiser that will help provide free heart-healthy screenings for women in 2009. Irene Pollin is the founder and chairman of Sister to Sister Foundation.

It was the second in a series of events Sister to Sister Foundation is holding to raise funds to provide free screenings for women to determine their risk factors for heart disease. Sister to Sister's first fundraising event in the owner's suite was the Celine Dion concert held earlier in the year.

Tina - wearing flashy outfits and spiked shoes to show off her famous legs -- put on a spectacular show, culminating in her signature show-stopping number "Proud Mary." The Washington Post's reviewer was effusive in his praise for her energy and ageless voice.

The arena was filled with adoring Tina fans who often sang and danced along with her as she put on a show full of old favorites, clever fireworks, sensuous dancing, and visuals that spanned her career. Among those enjoying the concert in the executive suite was Sister to Sister supporter Maureen Bunyan, an anchor for ABC's WJLA-TV Channel 7, who also serves as mistress of ceremonies for many foundation events.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America. Since Sister to Sister Foundation was established in 2000, more than 70,000 women have received free screenings and 175,000 people have attended its health fairs across the USA to learn how they can take care of their hearts and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.

This latest benefit will allow Sister to Sister to fund 1,000 screenings as the organization gears up for its 2009 season. Thousands of women across America will get screened free, be counseled on their results, and be given information and strategies for changing negative lifestyles. Among those supporting the fundraiser were Fariba Jahanbani, Judy and Leland Bishop, Harold and Nancy Zirkin, Cathy Hughes, Sheila C. Johnson Newman, and Michele Hagans.

Sister to Sister is planning other fundraisers. Inquiries about future events and volunteer opportunities should be made to the foundation at 301-718-8033 or e-mail PShannon@sistertosister.

 

Photo 1: Maureen Bunyan, (right) ABC Channel 7 anchor and emcee for many Sister to Sister Foundation events, and Roberta Baskin enjoy the carrot cake at the Tina Turner concert.

Photo 2: Cathy Hughes, (left) owner of Radio One and TV One, and Fariba Jahanbani, regional manager of Cartiers, take in the concert.

Photo 3: Tia Cudahy (left), Judy Bishop and Virginia Shore take a break to nibble at the buffet.

Photo 4: Nancy Zirkin likes what she hears.

Photo 5: All smiles are Michele Hagans (left) and Aleta Alsop.

Photo 6: Tina Turner fan Mirella Levinas of Cartier was fashion perfect at the concert.

Trio of Women Philanthropic Leaders Honored

Pentagon City, Va. - Behind the Bench, the National Basketball Wives Association, honored Sister to Sister Foundation's founder and chairman Irene Pollin, Washington D.C.'s First Lady Michelle Cross Fenty and human rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height at "An Afternoon of Philanthropy:" lunch on Sept. 20, 2008.

Legendary Human Rights Activist Dr. Dorothy Height (center) chats with fellow honorees Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin (left) and Washington D.C.'s First Lady Michelle Fenty. Photograph by Tony Powell.

The event, as part of the organization's annual conference, "honored great women who have made a significant impact in the lives of women and children locally and on a national level."

Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, president of Behind the Bench, paid tribute to Mrs. Pollin as a leader "who has committed the last 30 years to community service in Washington, D.C., as well as educating women state-to-state on heart disease, the #1 killer of our gender."

Dr. Height was saluted for her "unwavering dedication to empower and unite women-based organizations across the country." For nearly a half century Dr. Height also has been a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights of all people. She is known for her leadership role with the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women.

Mrs. Fenty drew praise from Mrs. Jackson-Jordan as a First Lady who "not only represents us with class and grace, but also in her commitment to upgrade facilities that inspire and educate our youth."

"We applaud each of these remarkable women for their tenacity, dedication, and for empowering the meaning of philanthropy," said Mrs. Jackson-Jordan.

Behind the Bench is committed to empowering and financially assisting organizations in the USA that fight for the rights of women and children. At the event held at the Ritz-Carlton, The House of Ruth in DC was presented with a $10,000 check for continuing its work to provide shelter for homeless women and children.

Sister to Sister Holds First Fundraiser at the Verizon Center — Guests Enjoy Live Celine Dion Concert

Washington, D.C. - Sing it out for the Sister to Sister Foundation and for international super-star Celine Dion, who graciously posed for photographs with foundation concert-goers just minutes before stepping on to the stage at the Verizon Center.

The captivating Dion concert held September 8 in Washington, D.C., provided an opportunity for Sister to Sister to host a special event to help pay for free cardiovascular screenings for women.

Irene Pollin, founder and chairman of the Sister to Sister Foundation, opened her private suite at the Verizon Center to special guests who wanted to enjoy the concert and, at the same time, support the nonprofit foundation.

It was an unexpected bonus when Ms. Dion — attired for her performance in a red dress and silver stilettos, agreed to have her picture taken with the 30-some Sister to Sister benefactors backstage. Ms. Dion also took time to chat with each of them.

It was the first time Mrs. Pollin and her husband, Abe, used their suite for a Sister to Sister Foundation fundraiser. And judging by the positive reviews and fully subscribed skybox, it won't be the last. Mr. and Mrs. Pollin, owners of the Verizon Center, were both on hand for the concert.

"Money raised by our event will provide free heart health screenings to approximately 2,600 women in 2009 — about half of whom will learn that they may be at risk for heart disease," said Mrs. Pollin.

The Verizon Center is one of the venues used since 2000 for the annual Sister to Sister heart screening fairs in the United States.

Among those attending the event were Deborah and Steve Epstein, Drs. Bernadine Healy and Floyd Loop, Gail and Shelley Himelfarb, Irma and Lester Poretsky, Judith and Leland Bishop, Nancy and Harold Zirkin, Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Whitney Schott, Grace Tang, Marcell Soloman, Judy and Peter Kovler, Fariba and Reza Jahanbani, Dr. Celia Maxwell, Tuleda Johnson, and Ryna and Mel Cohen.

Additional contributions were generously donated by others unable to attend the event, including The Honorable William and Sheila Newman, Buffy and William Cafritz, Judy McHale and Michael O'Halloran, Shelly Kay and Al Policicchio, Vicky and Roger Sant, Barbra and Jack Kay, Clarice and Robert Smith, and Glenna and David Osnos.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the USA. Sister to Sister is the only national organization that provides free heart-health screenings for women. Since its inception in 2000, more than 175,000 women across the country have attended foundation events and 70,000 have received free screenings.

 

Photo 1: Celine Dion belts out a song at the Verizon Center.

Photo 2: Foundation backers Harold and Nancy Zirkin listen to the music.

Photo 3: Dr. Bernadine Healy (far left) and her husband Dr. Floyd Loop and Deborah Epstein chatting before the concert begins.

Photo 4: Enjoying the Dion concert are (from far left) Reza and Fariba Jahanbani, Grace Tang, and seated on the ledge Marcell Soloman.

Photo 5: Aniko Gaal Schott (left), Nash Whitney Schott, and Washington Life Editor-in-Chief Nancy Bagley in the executive suite.

Novartis Offers Comprehensive Resource to Help Improve Access to Medicines and Health Information

For Immediate Release
September 11, 2008

People who have no health insurance coverage may know, all too well, the challenges of affording quality health care.

As one such individual, Mary struggles with paying out of pocket for doctor's visits and other health care services. Mary is a single mom, working two part-time jobs, who is not eligible for either of her employers' health insurance programs.

Recently diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure-two serious conditions that require prescription medications-Mary was prescribed one drug to lower her blood sugar levels, two separate drugs to manage her blood pressure, and informed that she'll need to purchase a glucose monitor to measure her blood sugar levels on a daily basis.

Mary is overwhelmed by her diagnosis and worried about how she will afford to take care of her health while also providing for her son.

"As one of an estimated 47 million Americans with no health care coverage, Mary is one of the many reasons why Novartis is proud to offer Patient Assistance Now, an easy-to-use, comprehensive resource that allows patients to access programs that may help them pay for their Novartis medicines and find information to take care of their health," said Kevin Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novartis.

Novartis recognizes the need to help people like Mary by providing them with easier access to quality health care. Patient Assistance Now integrates Novartis and non-Novartis programs that may help patients pay for their medicines; learn about specific diseases, conditions and medicines; and obtain information about ongoing and planned clinical trials, into one easy-to-use, overarching resource.

People can visit the online Web site, www.PatientAssistanceNow.com, or call 1-800-245-5356 for specific information about programs and services available. The Web site also offers a program finder for programs that help eligible patients pay for their medicines. The Program Finder asks a few short, simple questions to help determine which programs best fit a patient's individual needs.

Novartis is working to increase awareness about programs that provide patients with the information they need to manage their health.

For more information or for immediate access to Patient Assistance Now, visit www.PatientAssistanceNow.com or call 1-800-245-5356.

CDC Awards Funding for Study to Promote Better Cardiovascular Health for Women

Chevy Chase, Md. - The Sister to Sister Foundation is teaming with Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Hospital to undertake a one-year project funded by the Center for Disease Control to promote cardiovascular health in women across America.

The Women's Assessment and Tracking of Cardiovascular Health (WATCH) Study is being funded by a CDC grant of $238,755. It will be implemented in February 2009 and run through 2010. Funds also will be provided by the Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Program in Women to extend the study and analysis of the results beyond the initial one-year period.

"I have worked with Harvard's medical school and these hospitals in the past. We have a great relationship," said Mrs. Irene Pollin, founder and chairman of the Sister to Sister Foundation. "Partnering with this group for the study is incredibly exciting."

The purpose of the national community-based project will be to promote cardiovascular health in women by enhancing the existing Sister to Sister program that incorporates screenings and risk assessment, diagnostic testing, education and lifestyle modification, with an intervention to track and evaluate women's risk factors over the next year. The ultimate goal is to identify successful preventive strategies to reduce a woman's risk for heart disease and, through Sister to Sister and other organizations, disseminate these strategies to high-risk, under-served women in communities nationwide.

Sister to Sister, a national nonprofit foundation established in 2000 by Mrs. Pollin, provides free heart health screenings in an effort to encourage women to make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent or reduce their risk of heart disease. The foundation has now provided screenings to more than 70,000 women in the United States.

The new study will leverage the experience of the foundation, the clinicians at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, as well as the expertise of researchers in the fields of preventive health and health policy at Harvard Medical School, to support and promote cardiovascular health in women.

Despite declines over the past decades, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability for women in the United States. More than 300,000 American women a year die from coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and hospitalization for women in the cities in which the Sister to Sister Foundation holds annual heart health screenings. Those cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington, D.C.

WATCH Principal Investigator, Dr. JoAnne M. Foody, Associate Professor Harvard Medical School and Medical Director of the Pollin Program for Cardiovascular Wellness in Women at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass., said: "This collaborative study will indeed leverage the existing resources and expertise of the Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation and formalize its partnership with Brigham and Women's and Johns Hopkins Hospital, in order to engage and empower women to modify their risk for heart disease.

"My hope is that this program, using local case managers, will change the way in which we address cardiovascular risk factors and prevent heart disease in women. I look forward to collaborating with Sister to Sister, Mrs. Pollin, and Dr. Roger Blumenthal on this important project," said Dr. Foody.

Dr. Blumenthal is professor of medicine and director of The Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, in Baltimore, Md.

For more information, contact: The Sister to Sister Foundation
301-718-8033
www.sistertosister.org

Dr. Celia Maxwell Confers with Women's Federation in China

Beijing, China - Dr. Celia J. Maxwell, MD, a Sister to Sister Foundation board member and a Howard University medical executive, conferred with the All China Women's Federation (ACWF) in Beijing in July, 2008, to discuss possible future collaborations on the issue of women's health in that populous country.

Li Xiaoxing the Division Director of ACWF; Jiao Pu Hui, M.D, Professor of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Madame Shuji Chen the former Vice President and Member of the Secretariat of the ACWF; Dr. Celia Maxwell, Sister to Sister Foundation Board Member; Dr. Zhang Shuyang, Professor of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

The federation is the largest women's organization in China.

"The discussions centered on areas of collaboration between the ACWF and Sister to Sister including the feasibility of holding an International Conference on Heart Disease in Women as well as focusing on the health of young women," Dr. Maxwell said.

Dr. Maxwell is Assistant Vice President for Health Sciences and Director of the Women's Health Institute at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Maxwell stressed that such a conference, which would take extensive planning, would include the participation of cardiologists from the United States.

"The discussions also included the concerns expressed by representatives of the ACWF over the increase in heart disease in Chinese women moving from rural to urban areas as a result of diet changes and a decrease in physical activities," Dr. Maxwell said.

The meeting was chaired by Madame Shuji Chen, former vice president and member of the Secretariat of ACWF. Also in attendance were Li Xiaoxing, the division director of ACWF, Dr. Jiao Pu Hui and Dr. Zhang Shuyang, both cardiology professors at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Zou Xiaoqiao, director general of the International Liaison Department of the ACWF and a member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women at the United Nations.

Irene Pollin, founder and chairman of the Sister to Sister Foundation, helped arrange the meeting through her international contacts.

New Study Highlights Importance For Women to Know Their Risk of Heart Disease

For Immediate Release
August 14, 2008

CHEVY CHASE, Md. - A new study published in the July/August 2008 issue of Journal of Women's Health highlights the importance of women knowing their own risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and cautions that a frequently used risk assessment tool could lead to false reassurance that a woman is at low risk for heart problems.

The study is based on the evaluation of 8,936 women screened for heart-health risks at the 2006 Sister to Sister National Woman's Heart Day events in 14 major U.S. cities. The screening included identification of cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, body mass index and/or measurement of waist circumference, as well as a standardized questionnaire designed to gather demographic data, individual and family medical history, and use of medication.

Most of the women studied showed a high prevalence of one or several risk factors for heart disease. Forty percent had low levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) and 27% had elevated levels of the bad cholesterol (non-HDL). More than half had elevated blood pressure or pre-hypertension. Three quarters were deemed overweight or obese. Nearly half of the women were unaware of the association between risk factors such as high blood pressure and their own risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Many women were unaware of their risk factors at the time of their screening.

A Framingham Risk Score, a frequently used predictor for future heart problems, was calculated for each participant. By that measure, 85% of the participants without a previous history of cardiovascular disease were considered at low risk for a hard" coronary heart disease event within the next ten years.

But the study authors found that nearly one in five of women with a low risk Framingham score had three or more risk factors for heart problems, with obesity being the most prevalent.

This puts these women at increased lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease.

A Framingham low-risk score can potentially lead to false reassurance and may lower motivation to engage in lifestyle modifications," the article said.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It also can lead to the development of diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, gall bladder disease, liver disease and many cancers. Studies have demonstrated that active women have lower risk for heart disease than inactive women and that even light to moderate regular activity, combined with a healthy diet, can reduce those risks.

The Journal study pointed out that women account for more than half of the nearly one million cardiovascular deaths per year in the United States. But many women do not realize they are at risk for heart disease, and their physicians may not treat their risk factors as aggressively as they should, the study reported. Since more than 25% of sudden cardiac death occurs among individuals with no prior symptoms of cardio-vascular disease, early identification of heart-health risk factors and preventive action such as life-style changes are of utmost importance.

The identification of multiple risk factors in women participating in this study demonstrates the value of screening events such as the Sister to Sister Foundation free heart health fairs. The study emphasizes the importance of knowing one's numbers" and making changes in habits and lifestyle to reduce the risk factors for heart disease.

Follow-up with a limited number of study participants indicated that many of them took action to reduce their cardiovascular risks identified at the Sister to Sister screening. More than 70% went to a doctor's office for follow-up care, nearly two-thirds changed their diet, nearly half lost weight and more than three in five increased their physical activity. The Sister to Sister Foundation, however, pointed out that the data from this study of women who chose to attend a heart health fair may not be representative of the overall general population.

Authors of the study include Dr. Roger S. Blumenthal, professor of Medicine and director of The Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, in Baltimore, Md., senior author Dr. Erin D. Michos, also a faculty cardiologist at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center, and Dr. Irene Pollin, Ph.D., M.S.W., founder and chairman of the Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation based in Chevy Chase, Md.

Dr. Pollin, author of two books, Medical Crisis Counseling" and Taking Charge: Overcoming the Challenges of Long-Term Illness," has a Master of Social Work degree from Catholic University, an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Howard University, and is a member of the Harvard University School of Public Health Nutrition Round Table, Howard University's Women's Health Institute Advisory Committee, and the Columbia Presbyterian Health Sciences Advisory Council.

Our goal at Sister to Sister is to emphasize how vital it is for women to be adequately screened for potential cardiovascular disease," she said. It is critical not only for women but for their families because they typically are the household decision-makers about diet and exercise."

Journal of Women's Health, published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (www.liebertpub.com) is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women. The Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. A complete copy of the study is available free for 30 days at http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/jwh.2007.0640

Sister to Sister is a 501(c)(3) foundation that is dedicated solely to bringing free heart disease screenings and heart-healthy" information and support to women to prevent heart disease. For more information, visit www.sistertosister.org

Contact:
Dr. Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS
Division of Cardiology
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
410-502-6813; cell: 410-371-7596
edonnell@jhmi.edu

2008 Sister to Sister Screenings Impact Women Nationwide

The Sister to Sister Foundation is thankful that women from all over the country took time out of their busy lives to attend a National Women's Healthy Heart Fair in their community. In February 2008, we had over 45,000 women attend our fairs, and as a result, more than 12,000 women were screened for heart disease. Sister to Sister is about changing lives and helping women take the necessary steps to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.

Impact on Women

Since our founding, more than 175,000 women have attended a National Women's Healthy Heart Fair; and more than 70,000 women have been screened. Approximately 80% of these women recognized, for the first time, at our Fair, that they are at risk for heart disease. More than 50% learned that they had two or more risk factors. Nearly three-quarters of the women found to be at risk reported seeing their doctor as a follow-up to the screening.

Screenings Save Lives

Many conditions that put women at risk for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, are hard to detect without screening. Women who attend the fairs are screened for blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL); and they are provided with an overall risk assessment. We provide individual results on site, with counseling that explains the results and describes next steps.

2008 Screening Results

The impact that our screenings had on women across the country in 2008 was profound.

• 70% of the participants who were screened had never attended a STS heart health fair before... that equals 8,400 women who wouldn't have known they could be at risk for heart disease.
• 5,220 women, or 43.5%, had total cholesterol levels that were in the high risk category, at 200 mg/dl or greater.
• The city with the highest recorded levels of cholesterol was Atlanta; the two cities with the lowest recorded cholesterol levels were Tampa and Miami.
• 55.6% of attendees had a recorded body mass index that fell within the overweight or obese guidelines. These are primary risk factors for many chronic health conditions.
• Sister to Sister made 1,305 medical referrals to hospitals or health care providers for participants that had one or more risk factors for heart disease.
• There were 546 medical referrals made based on cholesterol numbers alone.
• The most referrals were made at the Washington D.C. fair... 226 referrals in a five hour time period!!

Sister to Sister gives its heartfelt thanks to all of the women who got screened at our heart health fairs. Your efforts to take charge of your health will lead us into a healthier nation of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends!

Fun Fuels Fairs

Watch a video of our DC event. [4 MB]

The Sister to Sister Foundation is so thankful that women from all over the country took time out of their busy lives to spend a few minutes with their most important ally... their hearts. Our 2008 National Women's Healthy Heart Campaign was a success because of our partners...,700 volunteers, 25 major hospitals and nursing programs, 30 media partners and 175 community based non-profit programs worked together to encourage over 45,000 people to attend our fairs, and as a result, more than 12,000 women were screened this past month.

Our 2008 Fairs offered tips on stress reduction (meditation, reading and knitting), lifestyle ideas, fun ways to get fit, cooking demonstrations that turned familiar foods into heart-healthy foods, and so much more. Each Fair had dedicated medical professionals explaining how to prevent heart disease in simple terms, and how to take the next steps to change their lives.

Yet the campaign also had a sobering task...80% of the women screened learned for the first time that they were at risk for heart disease. Sister to Sister is about changing lives and helping women take the necessary steps to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.

This year's campaign highlights include:

New York: Mae and the Jive Walkers, a dance troupe from Harlem ranging in age from 68 to 92 years young, performed in fishnets and high heels. Watch out Tina Turner!

Mae and the Jive Walkers dance troupe.

Blood pressure screenings at the Philadelphia Fair.

Philadelphia: Hometown "Biggest Loser" contestant, Nicole Michalik, shared how she shed 105 pounds since appearing on the reality TV show.

Dallas showcased "De-Stress Central," where organization experts showed women that even purse purging can reduce stress and therefore affect blood pressure.

Chicago offered cooking demonstrations right in the "Chopping Block" cooking school in the Merchandise Mart.

Miami featured medical professionals who spoke about "Stress Reduction for Superwomen" and "Food Choices for Fitness." Their Creole panel extended an extra hour due to its popularity.

Les Dames d'Escoffier cooking demonstration at the Washington, DC Fair.

Community spirit ignites the Fairs

The Fairs also brought out community spirit among our medical partners. The Detroit Medical Center ran shuttles throughout the day from their hospitals in downtown Detroit to local businesses to bring women to the Fair. Special prize giveaways rewarded the medical volunteers and counselors for getting themselves screened.

The St. Francis Heart Center in Indianapolis provided staff to screen and counsel women. They also highlighted their mall walking program, Nia Dance classes, and new Creative Visualization program.

Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital left their schedules open for the week following the Fair to see at-risk patients. Their goal was to ensure that no one would have to wait weeks before seeing a doctor.

Corporations show their heart

Women, the "heart of the family," were honored by corporations and government partners at our Fairs. In Atlanta, Sister to Sister will be honored with the Heart Awareness Award given by Georgia's Department of Women's Health.

The Mayor's Office in Los Angeles commented that the Heart Health Fair was "the most amazing thing he had seen in LA concerning women's health care." The Office will be partnering with Sister to Sister on future projects.

Both Compuware and Marketing Associates in Detroit brought groups of women to the Fair. They offered an incentive luncheon to every participant who got screened.

Mission accomplished!

In all our cities, stories of lives changed stood out from the day's fun. In Jacksonville, for example, 1,000 women were screened. Five women were taken to the EMT station on site and several were taken directly to the hospital.

In Los Angeles, an elderly woman expressed her gratitude for her free screening. She left with peace of mind, having learned that her numbers were fine and that she avoided the need for expensive tests.

Attendee at the LA Heart Health Fair.

In Boston, a man's mother spoke little English and only visits doctors with him, so this was a great chance to spend time with her and to have her results interpreted at the Fair.

Our staff is buoyed by the knowledge that we have touched so many women—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends.

Bulgari and W Magazine Hold Benefit for Sister to Sister

Bulgari and W Magazine held a reception to view the Bulgari Spring Accessory Collection on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at The Collection at Chevy Chase. Mrs. Irene Pollin, founder and chairman of Sister to Sister, addressed the guests and spoke of the impact that Sister to Sister has had since it's inception in 2000. Since our founding, over 175,000 women have attended our National Women's Heart Health Fairs and 70,000 women have received free cardiovascular screenings. This reception was a wonderful opportunity to reach out to women in the Washington DC area who were not aware of the importance of preventing heart disease.

Bulgari is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease in women and has donated a percentage of the proceeds from the evening's event through April 7 to the Sister to Sister Foundation. Their generous donation will contribute to Sister to Sister's mission of providing free heart-health screenings to women across the country. Sister to Sister would like to thank Bulgari and W Magazine for their dedication to this most important cause, as heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States.

Alex Lord, Bulgari's East Coast Retail Director, welcomed the guests to the event and invited Mrs. Irene Pollin, Dr. Celia Maxwell and Dr. Esther Sternberg to speak (left to right).

Alex Lord, Bulgari's East Coast Retail Director, Mrs. Irene Pollin, Founder and Chairman of Sister to Sister, and Roya Kingdom, General Manager of The Collection at Chevy Chase.

The Bulgari store was the setting for an evening of stunning jewels, heart-health awareness and spring fashion trends.

All photographs were taken by Susan Pleiman of Image Link Photography.

Phoenix Launches First Annual Ambassador Program!

The Sister to Sister Foundation has just completed an exhaustive search for Phoenix-area women to serve as Ambassadors for the 2008 National Women's Healthy Heart Campaign. We issued the call for women who inspire others, lead a balanced lifestyle and are positive role models in the Phoenix community.

The response was absolutely overwhelming! We received nominations for women who are bright, compassionate, who live a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, manage stress, are successful in business or community work and supportive of family and friends.

We received nominations for women from every age group — from their early twenties to their early eighties. Their stories were absolutely amazing. We learned about women who lost 50 pounds, overcame personal challenges, inspired family members, followed their hearts to create new business ventures and gave of themselves through volunteer work.

The winning Ambassadors were announced at the Phoenix Executive Women's Breakfast on February 14, 2008. Each Ambassador will be recognized at the Women's Heart Health Fair on May 22, 2008 at the US Airways Center on the Phoenix Mercury Court. They will receive two tickets to the game along with a basket of sponsor gifts, a professional photo and coverage in Arizona Woman magazine.

Sister to Sister thanks the Ambassadors for being such wonderful role models, as strong and powerful women shape our lives for the better each and every day.

New! Blood Pressure Express: Newark Inaugurates a Mobile Community Health Initiative

Sister to Sister, in partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, is launching the Blood Pressure Express, a mobile community health initiative designed to bring heart health awareness to Newark residents.

A kickoff event was held on March 4 with the New Jersey Commissioner for Health and Senior Services and Sister to Sister.

Darryl Dawkins, former NBA star and Community Relations Ambassador for the New Jersey Nets, and Kevin Rigby, VP of Public Affairs for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, show support for the BP Express.

A nurse on the BP Express Van provides a free blood pressure screening to a patient.

The program features the BP Express Van, a mobile unit staffed by nurses who will provide free blood pressure screenings and distribute educational materials to thousands of Newark residents from March to June 2008.

The BP Express Van will make planned visits to locations throughout the city, including:

• Churches
• Community centers
• Government buildings
• Companies
• Shopping centers

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among Americans. In Newark, 21% of city residents are living with cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease. It is often called the silent killer because high blood pressure has no symptoms but can lead to serious illness, including stroke, heart attack, eye and kidney problems, and even death. Click here to learn more about preventing and controlling high blood pressure.

For more information about the Blood Pressure Express:
Call 877-4-BPXPRS or send an email to JWilcox@viziongroup.net.

Sister to Sister Screens Thousands at 2008 Women's Heart Health Fairs

Sister to Sister is helping thousands of women learn their risk for heart disease so they can make changes to protect their hearts.

Sister to Sister Founder and Chairman Irene Pollin (middle) officially opens this year's Women's Heart Health Fairs with WJLA-7 Anchor Maureen Bunyan (left), Michelle Cross Fenty, First Lady, Washington, DC (right), and Sister to Sister Executive Director Laurene McKillop (background).

Throughout the month of February, Sister to Sister has been holding Women's Heart Health Fairs in cities across the country. Fairs have been successfully held in Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, New York, St. Louis, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Philadelphia, drawing several thousand women in each city to the events.

Additional Fairs will be held this spring in Tampa and Phoenix.

Crowds await the opening of the Jacksonville Women's Heart Health Fair held on February 2.

"This year's Women's Heart Health Fairs have provided thousands of women with life-saving heart-health screenings and educational information," said Sister to Sister Executive Director Laurene McKillop. "Our goal is to help women take action to protect their hearts before heart disease strikes."

Sister to Sister's Women's Heart Health Fairs are held annually and feature free lifestyle presentations, cutting-edge information on medical issues of importance to women, complimentary heart-health screenings, and on-site individual counseling with health professionals who provide women with their screening results and explain how they can improve their numbers.

Research on Link between Health and Marital Communication, Conflict Highlighted at Sister to Sister Baltimore Event

Can the way you fight with your husband affect your heart health? Epidemiologist Dr. Elaine Eaker has found that female communication styles during disputes with their spouses can affect their health, including the incidence of heart disease.

Dr. Elaine Eaker discussed how communication styles can affect the health of a woman's heart.

Dr. Eaker was a featured speaker at Sister to Sister's recent Executive Women's Lunch in Baltimore, MD, where she presented key findings from a pioneering research study that examined whether marriage and marital strain are related to the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality.

The study, which followed 3,681 men and women over a 10-year period, found that women who do not speak up during conflicts with their spouses or partners have four times the risk of dying from coronary heart disease when compared to women who do vent during fights. The study also found that men with wives who were upset by work were 2.7 times more likely to develop CHD.

Dr. Eaker's findings were published in the July issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. Her work was also recently featured in the Baltmore Sun newspaper.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Winebar was the setting for the Baltimore Executive Women's Luncheon.

The Sister to Sister Executive Women's Lunch was held on December 7 at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Winebar in Baltimore, MD. Sister to Sister extends its thanks Fleming's owner/operating partner, Richard Haskell. Fleming's restaurants have been non-smoking since inception. The restaurants' woman-friendly ambience was designed by the original owner's wife, Mrs. Fleming. Her desire was to create an environment that women could feel comfortable patronizing for business meetings or with friends that was unlike the typical smoke-filled "old boys' club" steakhouse.

Sister to Sister also extends a special thanks to the honorary chair of the event Mayor Sheila Dixon and the event co-chairs, Senator Catherine Pugh, Lynne Brick, and Sandy Hillman.

In addition to Dr. Eaker's presentation, special guest Monyka Berrocosa, founder of Women's Wine & Dine and a food and wine journalist who authored the book One Sip At A Time, led participants through a wine tasting of heart-healthy reds.

Back to What's New

Give the Gift of Heart Health

During this season of giving, the gift of heart health can literally save lives.

A tax-deductible donation to Sister to Sister in honor of family members or friends will support our efforts to raise consciousness about heart disease and provide tools to turn knowledge into action, including offering free screenings to women around the country.

A personalized note with the greeting of your choice can be sent to the family member or friend who has been honored by your donation.

To donate, you can complete our online donation form, or call us at 1-888-718-8033.

Belly Dancing Fundraiser for Sister to Sister

Please join Sister to Sister and Sahara's Treasure, an award winning Belly dance troupe in the greater Washington D.C. area for their Haflaween celebration.  Their legendary Halloween-themed Belly dance show is a charity fundraiser with all proceeds to benefit the Sister to Sister Foundation.

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
4:00 - 6:00pm
McGinty's Public House
911 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Questions?  If you would like to pre-order tickets or if you are a business that would like to be a sponsor this event, or would like to donate an item for the raffle, please contact Sahara's Treasure at 240-813-5938 or via email.  Tickets for the show will also be available at the door but we recommend ordering them in advance.  This may be done online for your convenience.

Track Your Heart Health Online

Sister to Sister is very proud of the collaborative and beneficial relationships that we have cultivated with medical partners from across the country.  

To increase the resources that are available to women across the country, we are pleased to partner with Brigham and Women's Hospital to introduce a new FREE Online Cardiovascular Wellness Program.  This online program is a comprehensive wellness website developed to educate, engage and empower women on their path to building a healthy heart!

Sign up to complete a free Health Risk Assessment (HRA), a questionnaire which calculates your personal risk for heart disease, with immediate results and comprehensive recommendations to help improve any risk factors for heart disease.

You will have full access to a variety of comprehensive tools offered in the program, including:

• Health Profile
• Meal Planner
• Food Log & Nutrition Tracker
• Recipe Analysis
• Exercise Logs
• Pedometer Tracker
• Exercise Plans & Demonstrations
• Wellness Articles

Participants will receive annual tracking of behavior and follow-up from Brigham and Women's Hospital in order to help them make and sustain healthy lifestyle choices.  All screening and health information will be used for research on cardiovascular diseases in women by Harvard Medical School.

To sign up for our Online Cardiovascular Wellness Program, please visit www.BWHCVwellnessonline.com.  The sign-up is free, quick, and all information will be kept confidential.

We are pleased to offer additional resources for women who seek a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Campaign Kicks Off! Detroit, Tampa and Chicago Led the Way

Five hundred women attend the first three Sister to Sister Executive Women's Breakfasts - represented were members of each Mayor's office, Congressional members and their wives, and leaders in industry, non profits, etc.

The 2008 National Women's Healthy Heart Campaign brought high profile professional women together to hear the heart news, to get screened, and to raise the awareness of their co-workers and communities about how vital it is for a woman to know her heart health.

So many women spend every waking moment balancing their roles as Mother, Wife, and employee/employer that Sister to Sister wants to remind them that taking fifteen minutes for themselves to get screened and to know their numbers, will help ensure they are around to see the fruits of their labors. And we do it for FREE.

Our Fairs that are the follow up to these events are fun and high energy, packed with information and demonstrations from food, fitness, and stress reduction experts. Medical experts are on hand for questions after informative talks. Come and spend some time educating yourself about heart health so you will be around longer for yourself and your loved ones.

Bring your mothers, daughters, sisters, co-workers and friends to the Fair. Begin the journey of heart health with us! Click here to see a typical kickoff to the Campaign from the Detroit office.

Marybeth Howe, Executive Vice President, National City (local breakfast sponsor) and Co-Chair of the 2007-2008 Detroit Campaign.

Detroit Campaign - "I believe in women supporting women"

In Detroit, Debbie Dingell (Vice-Chairman, General Motors Foundation and Executive Director, Public Affairs and Community Relations) and Linda O'Brien from the Detroit Medical Center, asked women to spread the word about women's heart health.

Debbie Dingell said, "I'm a Sister'and I believe in women and women supporting women'.It's something I feel strongly about.

Linda O'Brien stressed that knowing one's family history of heart disease is as important as knowing one's numbers. Download the family history pdf here.

Dr. Sophie Womack accepts $10,000 check on behalf of the Hutzel Hospital from Mike Andrews, National Campaign Manager.

Media covers the Detroit Event

Carolyn Clifford from Detroit Channel 7 (WXYZ) put together a powerful segment highlighting Sister to Sister's mission and women in the forefront of our heart health journey. Click here to watch this program on "Carolyn's Health Edge.

Ann Thomas, Executive Producer of the Paul W. Smith morning show on Radio Station WJR 760 interviewed our Founder, Irene Pollin. Ms Thomas began her new series, Women Who Lead, with a far-reaching session with Mrs. Pollin covering the origins of Sister to Sister seven years ago to its impact today on raising awareness in women about their risk for heart disease.

Listen to the interview.

Unique Support

Detroit held their event at the Seldom Blues Restaurant We want to thank Seldom Blues for their support. During the event, Miner's Den announced the creation of a unique silver bead bearing the Sister to Sister logo. 25% of all sales will be donated to support our effort to get women screened. Please visit their site to buy this custom piece of jewelry and be part of our mission.

Executive Women's Breakfast at the Seldom Blues Restaurant

 

2008 Detroit Fair will be held Friday February 29.
One thousand women are expected to be screened at the Renaissance Center at the Detroit Fair Click here.

Tampa - Eye opening and making a difference

In Tampa, Sister to Sister's mission was indeed accomplished! An attendee wrote in to say her mother came back from the event with her high blood pressure results and made an immediate appointment with her doctor. She's now working with her doctor to keep her blood pressure in check.

As she says, "It was scary and eye opening and truly made a difference immediately'.Thank God the screening gave her time to get help. We are truly making a difference, one woman at a time.

Fleming's Steak House hosted the beautiful event in support of our Campaign.

Portion Control Key to Heart Health

Portion control in addition to exercise was stressed by the keynote speaker. Using easy to remember symbols for quantities, she gave the following tips:

• Deck of cards - 3 oz serving of meat
• One die - Amount of butter for a day
• One shot glass - 2 tablespoons of salad dressing
• Tennis Ball - equivalent to one cup

2008 Tampa Fair to be held on March 4. Click here for more information.

Chicago

Chicago held their event at the House of Blues in their Foundation Room. The House of Blues graciously donated their space to show their strong support of Sister to Sister.

Their keynote speaker was Bethany Doerfler, a registered dietician and registered clinical research specialist at Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. She gave a presentation on practical tips on how to navigate menus while eating out and yet managing to eat in a heart healthy way.

2008 Chicago Fair will be held on February 20. Click here for more information.

Sister to Sister would like to thank Cardinal Health Foundation for their continued support of all the Executive Women's Events across the country.

We are grateful for everyone's support in getting out the message about screenings saving lives.

Chinese Cardiologists Advocate for Women's Heart Health

The following is an article regarding Sister to Sister's International Cardiologist Exchange Program that was written for The George Institute's International Center for Chronic Disease Prevention.  It's a wonderful testament to Mrs. Pollin's vision that the doctors were so deeply affected by the STS program that they now consider themselves on a crusade for women's heart health.

Unmasking China's Silent Killer

In China, cardiovascular disease is a secret killer. It is the most common cause of death for women, but few people know it. The majority of women are unaware of its causes, symptoms and effective prevention methods. Research shows that most people still believe breast cancer is the biggest threat to women, and that cardiovascular disease is mostly suffered by men.

This lack of understanding has become a major obstacle for health specialists dealing with cardiovascular disease in China. As part of the women's heart-health program initiated by the Sister to Sister Foundation and The George Institute China, two leading Chinese cardiologists recently visited some of the top research centers in America. Dr Meilin Liu, Deputy Director in the Department of Geriatrics at the First Hospital of Peking University, and Dr Yundai Chen, Director of the Cardiovascular Department at the PLA General Hospital, were able to learn from the cardiology experiences of their American colleagues. Their visit was generously sponsored by the American Women for International Understanding.

The twelve-day visit in late February and early March, 2010 was extremely beneficial, said Dr Liu. "We found there were also problems with understanding and preventing the disease in the US, but the good thing is they have built up a comprehensive system to publicize, treat and prevent the disease."

"An effective health communication system is something China is really lacking at the moment," Dr Chen added. "In the US you feel there is strong social pressure to support the idea of having a healthy heart, from the President's wife to restaurant chefs. And the media is doing a great job in spreading and promoting public health messages. In the health communication area, the US is at least ten years ahead of China."

During their stay the two doctors visited some of America's leading health practitioners at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, George Washington University Hospital and Adventist Healthcare.

Dr Chen said: "The non-government organizations in America are extremely powerful. They can start a public campaign and then use their influence to lobby the government to adjust policy.

"But in China, we mostly rely on the government to initiate change. So our first task is to make the government realize this is an important issue," she added.

"We were simply clinical cardiologists in the past, but now we are becoming advocators for women's heart health. We are trying to promote a healthier lifestyle to China's hundreds of millions of women. After all, preventing is more important than curing."

The George Institute China is also committed to the same goal of raising public awareness and encouraging prevention and high-quality research to improve women's heart health in China.

 

Glamour Gone Good Selects Sister to Sister as Beneficiary for Charitable Giving

Glamour Gone Good is a volunteer-driven organization that is engaging glamour industry professionals in charitable giving activities to benefit national charities dedicated to empowering women and girls to reach their fullest potential. 

Many large beauty and fashion brands have heavily marketed charity programs, but we rarely hear about what small businesses are doing to help their communities. Moreover, salons and spas are essentially untapped resources that interact with women on a daily basis.

Glamour Gone Good sees the value in these awesome people who lurk behind the shadows and is bringing them together on an important mission:   To touch the lives of America's women and girls fighting to live normal lives under abnormal conditions.

Thanks to these fabulous glamour-makers, Glamour Gone Good will award grants of up to $100,000 from the funds raised by glamour industry professionals in 2010-11 to America's leading women's charities: Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation, Dress for Success Worldwide and GEMS: Girls Educational and Mentoring Services. 

Learn how you can get involved and help spread the word!  You can like Glamour Gone Good on Facebook, follow their tweets @GlamourGoneGood and enjoy their blog posts.

 

Heartfelt Tribute Honors the Memory of a Friend, And Supports Women's Heart Health

"Beckie's Heart" Tribute

Linda Robinson (left) and Beckie Raupp at Linda's book signing in  2009. Beckie designed Linda's book so this was a special event for the both of them.

When Rebecca Carolyn Raupp passed away on July 14, 2010 from complications from a heart condition at 41 years old, her friend Linda Robinson wanted to find a way to honor Beckie's heart.  Beckie's husband asked Linda if she would like Beckie's jewelry-making equipment and supplies, as Beckie loved to make jewelry and was very accomplished.  

Linda contacted Sister to Sister with the idea to donate the proceeds from the sale of her jewelry to benefit the Sister to Sister Foundation.  This will allow all of Beckie's jewels, beads and beautiful findings to be shared with other women, while helping to raise awareness of women's heart disease.  
 
Beckie's heart - the beautiful glowing love she shared with all who knew her - will live on, doing good in the world by helping other women.

Examples of Beckie's Heart beautiful jewelry and the inspiration behind each piece can be found on Linda's website and blog. Here are two pieces of the work that she has for sale to benefit the Sister to Sister Foundation. 

International Cardiologist Exchange Program

The epidemic of cardiovascular disease in developing nations is growing at an alarming rate.  China's major health threats are chronic diseases, now accounting for more than three-quarters of all deaths.  Specifically, cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in China, responsible for 2.6 million deaths annually.

In order to help address this crisis, Sister to Sister created the International Cardiologist Development Program.  Its goals were to offer two Chinese female cardiologists the opportunity to travel to the United States to meet with leading doctors that are working on the forefront of combating heart disease, and to have access to the premier heart research centers.  Our hope was to increase international collaboration through the various networking opportunities that can be cultivated and continue when the physicians return to China. 

Dr. Yundai Chen (Director of Cardiology, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing) and Dr. Meilin Liu (Deputy Director, Department of Geriatrics, First Hospital, Peking University) were selected for the fourteen day program which took place in February 2010. 

The participating medical & research partners included:

• Northwest Community Hospital, Department of Cardiology
• George Washington University Hospital, Women's Heart Center
• National Heart Lung Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
• Adventist Healthcare, Prevention and Wellness
• Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Wellness Center
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Women's Heart Center

 

Sister to Sister's program partners included The George Institute, China, a non-profit organization that uses clinical, population and health systems research to identify solutions to major health problems in China. They work to translate this research into policy and practice.  The program was sponsored by a grant from the American Women for International Understanding, a non-profit organization that was established to create an international network of women to foster understanding and goodwill among nations.

 

Pollin Family Hosts Free "Living For the City" Event with Stevie Wonder

Irene, Robert and Jim Pollin, the wife and sons of the late Abe Pollin, honored the employees of their company, Washington Sports and Entertainment, and those of several civic and public service organizations with a free, private concert event featuring legendary entertainer Stevie Wonder on Wednesday, May 26 at Verizon Center.

Among the groups the Pollin family is honoring are the DC Public Schools teachers and staff, the DC fire and police department staffs, and the employees at George Washington and Sibley Hospitals, where Mr. Pollin had been treated before his passing last November.

Robert Pollin said, "Abe Pollin deeply appreciated and respected all of the people who make the Verizon Center and our broader DC community thrive. This concert is a way for our family to convey as emphatically and joyfully as possible these same feelings of appreciation and respect. We couldn't be more fortunate than to have the great Stevie Wonder leading this celebration of our community."

The private and free event was open to employees and family members from the following list of civic organizations: Capital Area Food Bank, DC Department of Public Works, DC Fire Department, DC Metropolitan Police Department, DC Public School teachers and staff, George Washington Hospital, Jubilee Jobs, Metro, Sibley Hospital, The Perry School, and Thrive DC.

Sister to Sister Holds Heart Check 2009 on Capitol Hill

Washington, DC - Close to 300 Members and staff of the U.S. Senate attended HEART CHECK 2009 on September 30, 2009.  The attendees received complimentary heart screenings and counseling sessions, as well as stress-reducing reiki sessions.

Event attendees were welcomed by Sister to Sister founder and chairperson Irene Pollin and engaged in a medical presentation by Dr. Richard Katz of the Cheney Cardiovascular Institute at George Washington University Hospital.  There were also presentations by representatives of Novartis, AARP, and Barbara Teng, a heart attack survivor and Sister to Sister spokeswoman.  Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana greeted participants. 

Sister to Sister would like to acknowledge its sponsors for their generous support of Heart Check 2009: Novartis, PhRMA and AARP.  George Washington University Hospital was our hospital partner and the screenings were performed by US Wellness.  We would also like to acknowledge the Senate Office on Education and Training for hosting Sister to Sister.

The event was such a success that Sister to Sister returned to the Senate on February 26, 2010 in honor of Heart Health month.  An additional 200 Senate Members and staffers were screened for their heart disease risk. 

Sister to Sister will be returning to Capitol Hill in November 2010 and February 2011.  If you are interested in sponsoring these events, please contact Lisa Townsend via email or at 301-718-8033.

Sister to Sister Partners with Women's Health Publication

Sister to Sister is proud to announce a partnership with The Female Patient, a monthly clinical publication providing the latest advancements in women's health care to clinician's and patients in order to benefit patient care.

This relationship will allow Sister to Sister and The Female Patient to expand women's health advocacy to all users, healthcare providers and women seeking education.  We will be compiling articles that focus on heart health and will be available through Sister to Sister and The Female Patient newsletter broadcasts. 

We are excited to announce that Sister to Sister and The Female Patient will be producing a heart-health waiting room edition magazine, to be circulated in January 2012.  The features will include an understanding of heart disease, the importance of screenings, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and taking ownership of one's health to be your best health advocate.  The magazine will be supported by funding from Health Gate.

The Female Patient has also developed The Buzz on Biodenticals, a program that provides menopause information to women and their health care professionals.  Learn what experts have to say on HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and how menopausal hormone therapy fits into the total heart health picture. This program is supported by an educational grant from Ascend Therapeutics, Inc.

 

 

Sister to Sister Provides Free Heart-Health Screenings in Baltimore

Sister to Sister had another successful cardiovascular screening program on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore.  The event included FREE cardiovascular screenings with immediate results and one-on-one counseling sessions with a medical professional.  The participants were screened for blood glucose, Total Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index. 

We were grateful for the opportunity to speak with so many women that took the time out of their busy schedules to get screened, and were touched by their stories.  Women that were inspired to see that their numbers had improved in the last year... women that had lost their health insurance and were grateful for the chance to keep an eye on their health, and a few women whose numbers were dangerously high and had no idea!  If these screenings can bring awareness and possibly save one woman's life, then we consider it to be a huge success!

In addition to the screenings, there was a variety of health information, educational materials and giveaways.  CVS Pharmacy sponsored the "Ask the Pharmacist" sessions to answer your medication, prescription and general health questions.  The Fit Solution provided body fat composition readings for the attendees, which was very well received!

We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support:

 

Sister to Sister in Washington, D.C.

Sister to Sister recently participated in a meeting at the White House with members of First Lady Michelle Obama's staff to discuss the childhood obesity crisis.  Sister to Sister discussed We Can-Together!, a successful program that was implemented by Sister to Sister in the District of Columbia in 2006.  The program reached out to parents, caregivers and children with ways to eat healthier and get regular physical activity in order to avoid or minimize childhood obesity. 

Sister to Sister has always understood that parents and caregivers comprise a target audience for positive behavior change in children, and community partners can help to reinforce positive messages and offer support to families and children.  

With the recent launch of Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! campaign and her intention to bring together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide effort to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity, Sister to Sister felt this was an ideal time for a conversation. 

By collaborating with Youth Service America and their service-learning model, Sister to Sister is working to create a program for youth that gives them a role in responsibility while providing their caregivers with education and support so families can reach their healthy goals.        

Sales of Silver Bead Support Women's Heart Health

Midwest jewelry company Miner's Den is offering a unique silver bead bearing the Sister to Sister logo. Twenty-five percent of all sales will be donated to support Sister to Sister's efforts to provide women with free cardiovascular screenings. Please visit their site to buy this custom piece of jewelry and be part of our mission.

Sister to Sister extends its thanks to jewelry designer Dave Showalter for creating the bead, and for supporting the important cause of women's heart health.

Lifetime Airs Segment on Sister to Sister

Lifetime TV aired a segment on the Sister to Sister Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing heart disease among women, on October 21. The segment is part of the "Health Corner" television series, which airs every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. E.S.T. The series is presented by Walgreens. The Sister to Sister segment will be repeated on December 9.

Corinne Lovelace (left), Kendra Hance (center), and Barbara Teng (right) are being profiled as part of Lifetime TV's "Health Corner" television series segment on Sister to Sister.

Profiled in the segment are three women who have been touched by Sister to Sister. Two of the women learned they were at high risk for heart disease after being screened by Sister to Sister for cardiac risk factors at one of the organization's heart health fairs. Both women took action after receiving their screening results by losing weight, changing their eating habits, and starting an exercise program.

The third woman who was interviewed experienced a heart attack and has resolved to work with Sister to Sister to spread the word to women that they can significantly reduce their risk for heart disease by making healthy lifestyle changes.

Watch the segment on the Lifetime TV web site.

Women Touched By Sister to Sister

The three women profiled in the segment are:

• Kendra Hance shops for heart healthy foods at the Whole Foods Market in Bethesda, Maryland, while being filmed by Lifetime TV.

  Kendra Hance, 33, an event planner in Northern Virginia, found she was a risk for heart disease when she attended a health fair by Sister to Sister. Her blood pressure was high and she was overweight. Kendra took action by seeking medical advice, exercising, and eating sensibly.
• Barbara Teng, 52, a retired technology executive and heart attack survivor, resides in Bethesda, Maryland. She now dedicates herself to women's heart disease prevention. She serves on the Sister to Sister Community Council of Washington, DC, and volunteers as Director of Health Services for the Chinese Cultural and Community Service Center.
• Corinne Lovelace, 39, a bus driver from Atlanta, Georgia, by chance found herself at one of Sister to Sister's health fairs. She says the experience "saved my life" since she found out she had high cholesterol. She immediately saw her doctor, who put her on medication. She then began her own campaign to lead a heart healthy lifestyle by losing weight, starting an exercise routine, and avoiding foods high in fat, sodium, and calories. When she discovered that her three children also had high cholesterol, she made heart healthy choices a family affair.

The film crew accompanied the three women to a Whole Foods Market in Bethesda, Maryland, where they explained how they now shop for heart-healthy foods and what they look for on nutrition facts labels. During a workout session, the women also demonstrated how they keep their weight down and their blood pressure at optimum levels.

Shopping for healthy food was filmed at the Whole Foods Market, at 5269 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland.

Heart healthy menu options from M Café & Bar and Famoso Restaurant.

A heart healthy lunch was generously provided by M Café & Bar and Famoso Restaurant 5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

New Line of Health Education Materials from Sister to Sister

Sister to Sister is developing a new line of educational publications designed to help women make healthy lifestyle changes to significantly reduce their risk for heart disease. The new publications include a brochure series entitled "You Have to Power." The first brochure, "You Have the Power to Have a Healthy Heart," is now available as a downloadable PDF.

Additionally, Sister to Sister is developing new one-page fact sheets on blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, stress, weight, and gender differences in heart attack symptoms. The first fact sheet in the series, "Blood Pressure and Heart Disease," is now available as a downloadable PDF.

Please note, these PDF formatted files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Click here to freely download this software.

Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin Receives Honorary Degree from Howard University

Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin, M.S.W., received an honorary doctorate in humanities from Howard University in recognition for her contributions to the fields of health care and philanthropy. The honorary degree was presented to Mrs. Pollin during the university's graduation ceremony on May 12. Oprah Winfrey was the commencement speaker.

Mrs. Pollin founded Sister to Sister in 2000 to promote greater awareness of heart disease among women, and to educate women about prevention through free cardiac screenings. What began as a single event in Washington, DC, in 2000 has since expanded to more than 16 cities across the country.

"Howard University has been an incredible partner with Sister to Sister," said Mrs. Pollin as she accepted the degree. "We've reached into the community and done things I could not have done alone."

Mrs. Pollin has also established other health-related organizations and foundations, including the Medical Crisis Counseling Center at the Washington Hospital Center and the NBA "Wives Save Lives" breast cancer awareness campaign.

In addition, Mrs. Pollin is a psychiatric social worker who has worked with patients in the mental health field for more than 30 years. She pioneered short-term therapy for those living with chronic disease, and has authored two books on the topic, "Medical Crisis Counseling" and "Taking Charge: Overcoming the Challenges of Long-Term Illness."

She is a member of the Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Roundtable, the Columbia Presbyterian Health Sciences Advisory Council, and the Howard University Women's Health Sciences Advisory Council.

Mrs. Pollin is the co-owner of the Washington Wizards basketball team and the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin Speaks at Larry King Cardiac Foundation Event

Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin was a panelist at the Larry King and Friends: The State of Heart Care in America Panel Discussion on June 7 at the George Washington University Hospital. The panel featured industry experts in the fields of cardiac care, medicine, government, and health insurance.

The panel discussion, which was hosted by Larry King, focused on current issues in cardiac healthcare, including problems faced by the uninsured and how it relates to cardiac prevention, health, and treatment.

Sister to Sister would like to thank our hospital partners, Washington Adventist Hospital and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, for providing the medical equipment and volunteers.

Lifetime TV covered the free heart health screenings that Sister to Sister offered to the public as part of the event. See our screenings in action on the Lifetime Health Corner website.

 

Irene Pollin and Larry King under the banner at the Sister to Sister screening event.

 

Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin and Dr. Richard Katz, Chairman of the GW Medical Center Department of Cardiology, accompany Larry King as his blood pressure is checked during the Sister to Sister screening.

Sister to Sister Participated in the Southern Women's Show in Jacksonville, Florida

As part of Sister to Sister's National Women's Healthy Heart Campaign, the Jacksonville Campaign office, in partnership with Baptist Health of Northeast Florida, hosted a booth at the Southern Women's Show from October 18 - October 21. They offered free blood pressure screenings to 1,120 Jacksonville area women, raising awareness about the importance of heart disease prevention.

The Sister to Sister booth at the Jacksonville Southern Women's Show.

Sister to Sister distributed information on cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, cholesterol and heart-healthy living, while Baptist Health conducted interactive workshops with medical experts from their Sleep Center, Stroke Center and Center for Endoscopy Services.

As a result of the screenings, ten women were escorted to the EMT station, two women were immediately taken by ambulance to the hospital, and two women were driven to the hospital by their friends.

Sister to Sister Participates in Workshops with Renowned Medical Experts Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Michael Roizen

Sister to Sister hosted a booth at the 2007 tour of It's All About You: Be the World Expert on Your Body in five cities that featured renowned heart surgeon and frequent Oprah Winfrey Show guest Dr. Mehmet C. Oz and noted medical internist, anesthesiologist, and RealAge expert Dr. Michael Roizen. The events were held in Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; New York, NY; and Philadelphia, PA, in July and August.

The workshops were designed to teach the fundamentals about vital body organs, as well as insights into how your body can naturally take you to a healthy weight with proper foods and activities. Other speakers included celebrity trainer Joel Harper and Reiki master and best-selling author Lisa Oz.

Sister to Sister offered free blood pressure screenings to hundreds of women at the events, raising awareness about the importance of heart disease prevention among women.

 

Dr. Mehmet Oz and Sister to Sister Director of Community Relations Patricia G. Shannon at the "It's All About You: Be the World Expert on Your Body" workshop in Washington, DC, on July 28.

 

	Sister to Sister Assistant Campaign Director Lisa Townsend (left) and Dr. Mehmet Oz (right) at the "It's All About You: Be the World Expert on Your Body" workshop in New York, NY, on August 5.

Sister to Sister to Screen Women Legislators to Raise Awareness About Heart Disease

In an effort to raise awareness that heart disease in women is preventable, Sister to Sister screened female legislators for heart disease risk factors at a Women in Government regional conference on September 18 in Lake George, NY.

Women in Government is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators that comes together for leadership and networking opportunities, and holds forums on a variety of complex public policy issues.

Susan Crosby, President of Women in Government, receives her blood pressure numbers during a Sister to Sister sponsored heart-health screening at the Lake George meeting of WIG. Our screenings raised the awareness of the state legislators so that they would bring back the life-saving message to their constituents.

 

Sister to Sister Director of Community Outreach, Pat Shannon, addressed the regional conference in a presentation about taking action to prevent heart disease. In addition, Sister to Sister Executive Director Laurene McKillop, PhD has been a featured speaker for Women in Government, presenting at programs and events throughout the year.

Tampa Named a New Host City for March 2008 National Women's Healthy Heart Campaign

Tampa, FL, is the latest city to join Sister to Sister's National Women's Heart Health Campaign by hosting a March 2008 heart health fair. The National Women's Heart Health Fairs are Sister to Sister's signature events, and take place every year in cities across the country. At the fairs, women receive free cardiac screenings and individualized counseling on screening results, and can attend fun and engaging educational seminars and workshops on nutrition, cooking, fitness, stress reduction, and more.

This year, Sister to Sister's annual heart health fairs will take place in 17 cities, the most locations since the events were launched in 2000. The 2008 cities are:

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Detroit Indianapolis

Jacksonville Los Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Phoenix (May 2008) St. Louis Tampa (March 2008) Washington DC

Planning for the events is underway following a launch meeting at Sister to Sister's Chevy Chase, MD, headquarters in September. Keep checking the Sister to Sister website for exact dates and locations for the events.

In addition to these annual events in, Sister to Sister holds community health fairs in other cities across the country. This year, community health fairs are being held in Kansas City, MO; Cleveland, OH; Raleigh, NC; and Newark, NJ. For more information on bringing a Sister to Sister heart health fair to your city, send an email to info@sistertosister.org.