The ACTION Health Aging & Wellness Task Force hosted their first “Dress Red Luncheon” to a sold-out crowd on Friday, February 12 at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville. 125 community members and health care professionals attended to learn about Cardiovascular Disease, as well as enjoy the Red Fashion Show.

Dr. Robert Davis, Cardiologist from Bloomsburg Hospital, spoke to the crowd about the perceptions and reality of heart disease and the different ways cardiovascular disease affects men and women. “In a recent survey, 75% of women identified cancer as their leading cause of death,” said Dr. Davis. “But in reality, 1 in 25 women will die from cancer, but 1 in 2 will die from heart disease.” But the message wasn’t quite this somber throughout, as Dr. Davis emphasized the many ways that both men and women can reduce their risk factors of heart disease. “The #1 preventable risk is smoking, so stop smoking now and don’t be discouraged if you have to try several times before you quit for good,” said Dr. Davis. Other prevention methods include having a healthy weight, getting treatment for hypertension and diabetes, lowering your cholesterol, and increasing physical activity.

Our young model Max shows off fashions from Lil Kids Stuff.

After attendees enjoyed a heart-healthy lunch, the Red Fashion Show began. Beautiful red dresses, sweaters, ties and even pj’s were modeled by local community members. Six downtown merchants from Bloomsburg organized the fashion show, including B Green Loft, Becky’s Costume Shop, Exclusively You, Krickett Square, Lil Kid Stuff and Salvation Army. The fashion show was narrated by Kim Angelo Keck of Exclusively You and Dr. Larry Schardt of Community Partnership RC&D. Attendees delighted in the wide array of fashions showcased, as well as the antics provided by the models. One young man bowed to the crowd, while a lovely woman showed-off red satin pj’s and angel wings. The show concluded with a special appearance by the Queen of Hearts and Elmo, both costumes provided by Becky’s Costume Shop. More pictures from the event can be found on the “Photos” page of this website.

Our lovely model Hilda is decked out from Salvation Army.

The event also included photography showcased from local artists Dean Dorman and Marlin Wagner. Attendees perused the featured work, as well as the display tables from each of the Bloomsburg downtown merchants, which were set up throughout the lobby of the Pine Barn.

In addition, ACTION Health had the opportunity to promote the event and awareness of cardiovascular disease. Allison Clark, executive director of ACTION Health, appeared on the WBRE Eyewitness News Morning Show and spoke with anchor Kyla Campbell. See the clip of her appearance:   http://pahomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=125011

The proceeds from the event will be used to support the programs and services provided by the ACTION Health Aging & Wellness Task Force. The task force provides a wide array of programs for older adults, including topics such as respiratory health, osteoporosis, Grandparents education and of course, cardiovascular disease.

The surprise finale - Elmo! Provided by Becky's Costume Shop.

ACTION Health wants to thank all those involved in the planning, promotions and execution of this successful event, including: Dr. Robert Davis, B Green Loft, Becky’s Costume Shop, Exclusively You, Krickett Square, Lil Kid Stuff, Salvation Army, Dean Dorman, Marlin Wagner, and Pine Barn Inn. In addition, donations were received from Giant Food Stores, Wal-Mart, and Weis Markets. Finally, the event couldn’t have been conducted without the terrific help from Subcommittee members and staff…way to go!