Day of Dance to be held in February

Posted: 31 January 2012

Holy Spirit Health System is hosting its fifth annual Spirit of Women “Day of Dance” event on Saturday, February 25, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill.

Free blood pressure, body mass index, carotid artery and peripheral vascular disease (PAD), cholesterol, and glucose screenings, as well as cardiovascular risk, sleep disorder and blood clot risk assessments will be offered during the event.  For health screenings and to be eligible for door prizes, please pre-register by calling 717-972-4879 or visiting http://www.hsh.org/register-now-for-spirit-of-women-event/.

Bring your friends and family to dance, enjoy the performances, participate in health screenings, and learn simple ways to stay healthy. “Day of Dance for Health” was designed to inspire women and their families to better heart health. Proving that exercise can be both fun and beneficial to the heart, the program combines the fun of dancing to different forms of music with health screenings and education on heart disease and other health issues.

“Day of Dance helps to make us more aware of the dangers of heart disease for women and provides information about cardiovascular health and risk factors,” says Margaret Kortze, coordinator of Holy Spirit Health System’s Spirit of Women program. “Heart disease is a serious threat, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun trying to prevent it.”

Dancing can burn as many calories as swimming, walking, or riding a bike. Dancing regularly has many other benefits as well, including a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and an improved cholesterol profile.  Side-to-side movements of many dances strengthen weight-bearing bones and can prevent or slow the loss of bone mass.

Valerie Pritchett from abc27 and Pat Gadsden, an entrepreneur and trainer/consultant and television show co-host, will be the event emcees.

Just prior to “Day of Dance,” Spirit of Women will host a free special educational event for Spirit of Women members. Lenke Erki, MD, a cardiologist with Capital Cardiovascular Associates, will present “Women and Cardiovascular Disease” from 11 a.m. to noon. A heart-healthy lunch will be served at Radisson’s Bridges Café from noon to 1 p.m. Men may also attend if they are a guest of a Spirit of Women member. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by email to makortze@hsh.org.

Participants in “Day of Dance for Health” will have the opportunity to register for Spirit of Women membership. This free membership entitles members to discounts at partner businesses, as well as discounted or free entry to future Spirit of Women events and programs. 

Holy Spirit Hospital is affiliated with The Spirit of Women Hospital Network, a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities joined together to advance the cause and business of women’s health. Day of Dance events will take place in more than 80 cities across the nation, presented by affiliate hospitals of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network. 

DAY OF DANCE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

 1 p.m.              Health Screenings Begin in Keystone Rooms

1 p.m.              Ethnic Folk Dancing Performance – Philippine Cultural Dance Group

1:15 p.m.         Irish Dance Performance – Rebel Heart

1:30 p.m.         Welcome - Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, President and CEO, Holy Spirit Health System

1:35 p.m.         Zumba® – Momentum Female Fitness & Nutrition

2 p.m.              Community Soul Line Dancing – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter

2:20 p.m.         Choreographed Cardio Kickboxing – Fit For You

2:30 p.m.         Belly Dance – Egyptian Moon Dance Company

3 p.m.              Zumba Gold® – Harrisburg YMCA

3:20 p.m.         Hip Hop – e-Dance Studio

4 p.m.              Line Dances

4:25 p.m.         Closing Remarks and door prize drawings