Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
MORE THAN 60 women listen to a presentation during the third annual Women's Heart Healthy Brunch, sponsored by Mercer Health and Wellness, Saturday at the Mercer Community Center.
MERCER, Wis. - Mercer Health and Wellness held its third annual Women's Heart Healthy Brunch Saturday.
More than 60 women attended the event to learn more about heart health and heart-healthy options. Participants wore red in honor of Women's Heart Health month in February and the national Go Red for Women campaign.
According to Gerri Reynolds, member of Mercer Health and Wellness, the event went "marvelous."
She said the event numbers exceeded the previous two events and told attendees about having a "happy heart" as well as a healthy heart.
"A happy heart is what we are when no one is looking," Reynolds said. "Patience, sincerity, kindness and love is what makes a happy heart."
Reynolds introduced instructors and volunteers for the program and said they were her "happy hearted family."
Dr. Thomas Marren was the guest speaker during the event, and highlighted different ways people can be heart healthy, including the simple things like reading labels when purchasing groceries and substituting foods for healthier options.
Marren also spoke about the importance of physical activity, and being specific in what people's goals are.
"We can all leave here today and say 'I'm going to be healthier,'" Marren said. "But that isn't enough. Instead, try setting a goal of walking 10 minutes, three days a week. That is specific and achievable."
After Marren's presentation, attendees dined on heart-healthy soups, sandwiches on whole-wheat rolls and fruit for dessert.
"I am certainly glad the food turned out perfectly," Reynolds said.
Iron County health officer Zona Wick also spoke during the event, as well as a representative from Sam's Club in Wausau, Wis., about the company's health services.
According to Karen Lauer, president of Mercer Health and Wellness, the group hosts three to four different health related events each year, in addition to its brunch.
"We determine what the needs are in the community, and have events based on that," Lauer said. "This event is annual, but people should keep their eyes and ears open for other events in the future."
