Wear red and work out: LCU to promote cardiovascular health in February

Louisiana Christian University wants you to wear red on the first Friday in February to kick off a monthlong focus on cardiovascular fitness!

The American Heart Association recognizes the first Friday in February as “Go Red for Women” Day, as cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in women. By promoting it, the AHA believes people will be motivated, educated, and supported in their journey to better health, and lives can be saved.

In conjunction with AHA’s national campaign, LCU’s Exercise Science Department will be hosting twice-weekly workouts for faculty and staff to promote a healthy heart lifestyle.

“Our ‘Step Up, CENLA’ program, funded in part by The Rapides Foundation focuses on creating a culture in which physical activity is the norm in our community,” said Dr. Sonia Tinsley, chair of the Department of Exercise Science. “More than 30% of adults in Louisiana are not physically active. With February being American Heart Health month, this is a perfect opportunity to focus on increasing our level of physical activity to improve our cardiovascular health.”

All fitness levels are welcome to participate. Interested faculty and staff should meet at the H.O. West Field House in comfortable attire. Workouts will be led by LCU personal trainer Kelsey Alford from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays throughout February. There will be no workout on Feb. 12, as it falls during Winter Break.

“I think anyone able and willing to, should participate,” Alford said. “Those who exercise can improve mood, focus, energy levels and sleep. Other benefits are improved mobility and strength for everyday activities. People who exercise also tend to make better nutrition choices, in turn leading to better overall health and awareness. Everyone is in their unique place but it doesn’t mean that they won’t catch on or be able to keep up with the exercises.”

Contact Dr. Sonia Tinsley for more information at 318-487-7396 or via email at Sonia.tinsley@lcuniversity.edu.

 

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Media Release     |    Jan. 30, 2024     |     Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu