Message to Wise & Well Members

Dear Friends,

Here at Meridian, it is our mission to improve the health status of the communities we serve. That is why we provide events like our Spotlight Dining series or cholesterol and blood pressure screenings throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Events like these put you in touch with the quality of your own health. And the more you know, the healthier you can be.

As you may know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country — among both men and women. In fact, a recent survey found that 78 percent of women in Monmouth and Ocean counties are at risk for a first heart attack, yet only 53 percent are aware of their risk. But our Meridian hospitals are trying to help spread the word about women and heart disease. The fact is that heart disease can affect anyone. Fortunately, it’s a problem you can do something about.

That’s why we’re bringing the Women’s HeartAdvantageTM program to the community for the benefit of you and the people you love. Educational events are planned throughout the coming year. Brochures, fact sheets, and a detailed handbook on recognizing and preventing heart disease among women are available as part of this informative program.

It’s also important to talk to your doctor about the warning signs of heart disease. If you do, you can receive a free pedometer through our Women’s HeartAdvantage program. Simply fill out the card provided with the Women’s HeartAdvantage handbook and bring it to your physician.

You can request a handbook online at www.meridianhealth.com/womensheart or by calling us at 1-800-560-9990.