Aurora program targeted at improving women's health

According to the American Heart Association, one in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease and females represent more than half of deaths from it. To help women commit to keeping a healthier lifestyle and reduce their risk of heart disease, Rush-Copley offers "Heart Smart for Women."

This 12-week program focuses on building skills for increasing activity and eating a healthier diet. The program sessions are interactive and individualized to help participants overcome their specific exercise and diet obstacles and enable them to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Program sessions will discuss topics including: setting goals and rewarding yourself; understanding the risks of cardiovascular disease; reducing the impact of daily stress; overcoming barriers to physical activity and healthy eating; identifying appropriate meal portions; and measuring goals with objective assessments.

This program funded by the Women's Health Initiative Grant, will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 11 to July 27, at Rush-Copley Healthplex, 1900 Ogden Ave. in Aurora; and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 13 to July 29, at Rush-Copley Healthcare Center, 1100 West Veterans Parkway, Yorkville.

The fee for attending this program is $10. Registration is required. To register, visit rushcopley.com or call 866-4COPLEY (866) 426-7539.