Carin Schoppmeyer: Vestido Rojo goes virtual

Message of heart health reaches thousands

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE
Marelisa Colberg (left) a nutritionist with the Arkansas Department of Health, offers dietary information Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, to attendees during the American Heart Association’s NWA Vestido Rojo event at the Springdale Civic Center. The event provides awareness of the increased risk of heart disease for Hispanic women and offer education and health screenings.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE Marelisa Colberg (left) a nutritionist with the Arkansas Department of Health, offers dietary information Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, to attendees during the American Heart Association’s NWA Vestido Rojo event at the Springdale Civic Center. The event provides awareness of the increased risk of heart disease for Hispanic women and offer education and health screenings.

The American Heart Association Northwest Arkansas welcomed hundreds of guests virtually for the online version of 2020 Vestido Rojo on Nov. 21. The digital message of heart health reached some 6,000 viewers and social media users from as far away as California and Mexico.

Organizers say: "Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only about 15 percent of Hispanic women recognize it as their greatest health threat. About 40 percent of Hispanic women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The goal of Vestido Rojo (Red Dress) is to inform Hispanic women of their risks and empower them to take action for themselves, their families and their communities."

"The local event, when held in person, has always been a colorful celebration of Northwest Arkansas' vibrant Hispanic community," says Cyd King, communications director for the American Heart Association Northwest Arkansas. The 2019 celebration featured a fashion show with local models wearing apparel by Dallas designer Rulli Torres, whose mother lives in Springdale."

The 2020 digital event, produced under the direction of Elizabeth Hernandez, community impact director for Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas, focused on ways to help attendees maintain a healthy lifestyle during covid-19.

Tutorials in the program included how to make a container garden at home, make heart-healthy recipes and how to fashion homemade face masks. Guests also heard from Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA's Chief Medical Officer for Prevention, who reminded viewers that "It is OK not to feel OK" if they're feeling stressed or overwhelmed during the pandemic.

King adds that though hospitals are seeing fewer heart attack and stroke patients, research suggests that is due to people not calling 911 or delaying or avoiding medical care. The Association maintains that hospitals are the safest place to be if there's a heart attack, stroke or other medical emergency

"Calling 911 immediately is still your best chance of surviving an emergency," says Serena Munns, executive director of the AHA-NWA. "It is safe for everyone to call 911. It is safe for anyone to go to the hospital in an emergency. You shouldn't worry about the system being able to provide adequate care."

The American Heart Association's Northwest Arkansas Vestido Rojo is sponsored by the "Life is Why" sponsor, The Emerson Group; "Healthy for Good" sponsor, RB; and local sponsors Bimbo Bakeries and Mercy-Northwest Arkansas.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwadg.com.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE
Singers perform Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, during the American Heart Association’s NWA Vestido Rojo event at the Springdale Civic Center. The event provides awareness of the increased risk of heart disease for Hispanic women and offer education and health screenings.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE Singers perform Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, during the American Heart Association’s NWA Vestido Rojo event at the Springdale Civic Center. The event provides awareness of the increased risk of heart disease for Hispanic women and offer education and health screenings.
Elizabeth Hernandez, Community Impact Director for the Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas. The 2020 Virtual Vestido Rojo was produced under her direction. (Courtesy photo)
Elizabeth Hernandez, Community Impact Director for the Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas. The 2020 Virtual Vestido Rojo was produced under her direction. (Courtesy photo)
Medical professionals participate in a previous Vestido Rojo event.

(Courtesy photo)
Medical professionals participate in a previous Vestido Rojo event. (Courtesy photo)
Volunteers at a previous Vestido Rojo share heart health informaition with event guests.

(Courtesy photo)
Volunteers at a previous Vestido Rojo share heart health informaition with event guests. (Courtesy photo)
Vestido Rojo volunteers share heart-healthy cooking tips.

(Courtesy photo)
Vestido Rojo volunteers share heart-healthy cooking tips. (Courtesy photo)
At a previous Vestido Rojo, a local model wears apparel by Dallas designer Rulli Torres, whose mother lives in Springdale. (Courtesy photo)
At a previous Vestido Rojo, a local model wears apparel by Dallas designer Rulli Torres, whose mother lives in Springdale. (Courtesy photo)

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At a Glance

Vestido Rojo

Who: American Heart Association Northwest Arkansas

What: The digital message of heart health reached some 6,000 viewers and social media users from as far away as California and Mexico.

When: Nov. 21

Where: Online

Information: (479) 439-6800 or heart.org

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