NASHVILLE, TN — The second annual “Pink Christmas” health screening and education event was held at the Goodwill Training Center on July 8, 2017. This free, community service event focused on self-assessment, nutrition, exercise and mental health in order to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks. Nursing students from Belmont University were present to obtain blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI) and talk to each participant about their own individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease and ways these risks might be reduced. Participants then gathered for an interactive, educational activity followed by a presentation by JoAnn Johnson, FNP-BC who helped everyone further understand risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as breast cancer. Everyone was then treated to a beautifully prepared “Southern Tea” style lunch by Chef Sean Kilcrease, owner of Sweet Stuff catering and bakery, www.southernsweetstuff.com .
As guests were eating, presentations were given by Bea Edmundson, FNP-BC and Tracy Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC showing participants how to make realistic, gradual changes in diet and exercise in order to improve health and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other illnesses. Violet Cox-Wingo, LCSW, gave a wonderful session on the impact of stress on our lives, how it can affect health, and ended the event by leading a calming yet motivating meditation session that was greatly appreciated by all in attendance. The event was also honored to have State Representative Brenda Gilmore in attendance.
Pink Christmas is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to serve as an Oasis of Hope for breast cancer survivors and their families in the Greater Nashville Area. It is also the organization’s intent to increase the community’s personal health awareness, provide education sessions and encourage individuals to make positive changes in their health. Pink Christmas’ motto is “Keep the Faith and Be Blessed” in honor of the late Mattie Pratt, the mother of Pink Christmas’ founder, Felicia Pratt.
For more information about Pink Christmas and upcoming events, please visit www.ourpinkchristmas.com
