Promoting awareness for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and raising funds is the goal behind Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s observance of National Wear Red Day. The event, which takes place each year on the first Friday of February, launches the start of American Heart Month to promote the benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“Central Hudson stands with the American Heart Association in educating residents on the importance of making smart, healthy choices and raising funds to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease,” said Denise D. VanBuren, Vice President of Public Relations for Central Hudson. “Eighty percent of cardiac events can be prevented with lifestyle changes, which is why we support National Wear Red Day.”

"We're encouraging our fellow employees to wear red today and support the mission of the American Heart Association," said Erica Tyler, Director of Operational Technology at Central Hudson and chair of the utility’s National Wear Red Day observance. “Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death for women in the United States, causing one in three deaths each year, so it is important to raise awareness on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support critical cardiovascular research.”

“Central Hudson has also been the major sponsor of the Dutchess-Ulster BetterU Makeover Challenge for eight consecutive years to help participants reach their goals and inspire others,” said VanBuren. BetterU is a 12-week program offered to participating women each year providing nutritional coaching, guided exercise, mentorship and more to improve their health and to serve as an inspiration to others. Applications for this year's BetterU Challenge will open in June 2019, and the program, sponsored by Central Hudson, will run in the fall.

This spring, a team of Central Hudson employee-volunteers will participate in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk, to be held on the Dutchess Community College campus on April 13. "Our employees have supported this annual outing for many years by walking, contributing and raising funds for the prevention of heart disease," said Pano Harpolis, Manager of Operations Services at Central Hudson, board member for the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of the American Heart Association and Central Hudson's Heart Walk team leader. “The event brings the community together to raise awareness and fund resources for this important cause.”

For more information on heart disease and prevention, the Heart Walk and the BetterU Challenge, go to http://HudsonValleyNY.Heart.org; and for more on Central Hudson in the community, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Community.

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Employees wear red on National Wear Red Day to bring awareness of the benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle.