Sororities unite for women’s heart health

One in three women will be impacted by cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). This statistic is especially important for African American women whose risk is increased due to factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

The AHA says that while nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat.

In an effort to combat these statistics, The Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., hosted a Pink Goes Red event at New Light Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, February 1.

The event consisted of health screenings, heart health education, healthy snacks, vendors, giveaways, and a massive Zumba session. DJ & Line Dance Instructor, Marcus B. Smooth provided jams for the evening.

A portion of the proceeds were donated to the American Health Association Triad.

February 1 was National Wear Red Day for women’s heart health awareness.

The following vendors, organizations and corporations all donated towards the event: Arbonne International, AWOL Fitness, Bout Cute Body Butter, Butterfly Buttons, Black Girls Run of Greensboro, Deep Roots Market, Kreat ‘N Stitches, Macy’s Corporation, and Z’s Custom Creations.

The AKA Beta Iota Omega graduate chapter is also celebrating its 85th Anniversary with a plethora of weekend activities and a gala on Friday, February 8 at the Embassy Suites. The heart health event served as a community service project for both sororities.

To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Iota Omega Chapter, visit: http://www.betaiotaomega.org. To learn more about the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., visit:www.dstgreensboroalumnae.org.

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