According to heart.org, cardiovascular disease (CVD) contributes to the premature death of more than 2,150 Americans every day—that averages one death every 40 seconds. For the second year in a row, Lakeland College partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) for the Red Out event, which helps combat heart disease through fundraising and awareness efforts.
The event took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The eventful night kicked off with a hearty chili dinner before the women’s basketball game against the former top team in the conference, Wisconsin Lutheran. Lakeland’s own players were decked out in red gear along with their normal uniforms, which showed their ardent support for heart disease awareness.
In a true act of endorsement and unity, the majority the students who attended the game also wore red; at first glance, one might think Lakeland College changed its school colors from blue and gold to red. It was an amazing show of support, and it demonstrates that the Lakeland community tends to look out for people they have never even met before.
Red Out T-shirts were sold throughout the game, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the AHA. T-shirt sales also took place during lunchtime at Bossard hall in the week leading up to the event.
As an award for the students’ support and participation, they were entered into a raffle and won an array of prizes, including a $100 Wal-Mart gift card, Anytime Fitness memberships, and two tickets and free parking to the Dec. 5 UW Badgers basketball game vs. Boston College.
While students had the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause, they were also informed about heart maintenance and disease prevention. In fact, staff members from Coulis Cardiology were on hand to provide free blood pressure checks and answer all of students’ questions. Lakeland students were informed about an array of heart disease risk factors, including excessive alcohol use, poor diet and physical inactivity.
According to cdc.gov, the three key risk factors are high blood pressure, high LDL (bad) cholesterol and smoking. Heart maintenance can begin with little steps, such as not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, keeping a healthy diet and partaking in regular exercise. The women’s basketball team was a shining example of how physical activity can be exciting.
The Lakeland College community learned a lot about heart health, and everyone had fun contributing to a good cause.
It was a great day to be a Muskie!