A group of college girls wearing nursing uniforms and red lipstick is something most commonly seen on Halloween. However, this group of City College nurses not only raised eyebrows but also awareness.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, nursing students and faculty set up a booth in front of the Cafeteria celebrating “Go Red Day” with the focus of informing students about the number one threat facing American women today: heart disease.
Nursing student Eugenia Pickett informed women about this often-silent killer. She handed out bags that could pass for Valentine’s Day gifts but instead of candy inside, there was a wealth of information about the heart.
Complementary to her gift bags Pickett explained how “women experience less symptoms than men” and how their condition could go undetected until it’s too late.
Pickett added how women should pay close attention to any possible symptoms like shortness of breath, abnormal heart rhythm or a family history of heart disease because they can be invaluable early warning signs.
Nursing student, Kreme Na, recounted an open-heart surgery she had seen while training at a Los Angles hospital.
“The scariest part was the still beating heart,” Na said. “Not everyone gets to see things like that, it was awesome. I was trying to get every second.”
Associate Professor of nursing, Evan McCabe, chimed in with insight on the issue as a whole.
“The majority of funding goes towards men’s research while more women die of the disease,” McCabe said.
She also told women about a condition called angina, the pain caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart. It can be a red flag that can help uncover larger issues, McCabe said.
After teaching students about heart disease for 10 years, McCabe developed the condition in 2007.
In May 2013, McCabe was made a board member of Woman’s Heart, the organization that hosts the “Go Red Day” event.
“Before my problem I used to joke with my students saying, ‘I hope I develop angina when I get my heart disease,’” McCabe said.
“Be carful what you wish for,” she added.
In honor of the most heartfelt month of the year it’s suggested to ask a cardiologist for a date.
