Migrant women from the Imo Region of Nigeria, living in Galway (who have formed the Imo Women’s Association, Galway ) are teaming up with local heart and stroke charity Croi and Galway County Council for a free health promotion event on Friday April 10 from 10am to 2pm in the Croi Heart and Stroke Centre, Newcastle Galway
This event is being run as part of Croí’s ‘Women at Heart’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the fact that heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Ireland. However, women seem largely unaware of the significant differences between the sexes when it comes to symptoms, age of onset and need for medical care. This campaign aims to educate women on their risk of cardiovascular disease and empower them to take action. Announcing details of the event, Croi says this is a particularly important health promotion event as African women have a particularly higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Imo Women’s Association (IWA Ireland ) is a non-profit organization that educates, connects and supports women of all ages and backgrounds. They are a group of women from the same ethnicity, culture and norms with a set goal to inspire women from migrant groups in Ireland to give back to their communities through networking and volunteerism. IWA is also concerned about the well-being, health and family support of migrant women and hopes to provide support, education and awareness that will empower women in building their self-esteem, confidence and a happy family.
As part of this health event, Croí will be providing free health checks and health promotion talks. The health screening will involve blood pressure and pulse checks, weight, height and waist circumference measurement, and BMI calculation (body mass index ).
Speakers on the day will include Jennifer Flaherty, Croí Community Hypertension Nurse Coordinator, who will talk about women’s risk factors for heart disease and stroke and how to take steps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Claire Kerins, Croí Senior Cardiac Dietician will deliver a talk on healthy eating for your heart which will also include advice on healthy portion sizes and reading food labels which will help women to make healthy food choices. Also on the day, Helen Ogbu, representing Imo Women’s Association will speak on advocacy for women.
Croi hope that this educational event will contribute to increased awareness of risk factors for heart disease and stroke among migrant women so that they know how to take control of their risk by making simple lifestyle changes.
Booking is essential as places are limited. To book your place, call Croí on 091-544310 or contact Juliet Ariguzo (089-9560971 ) or Helen Ogbu (087-6597100 ) or email [email protected].
