February is Heart Disease Awareness Month. Sadly, this disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. We can’t think of a better (or more fun!) way to show support and raise awareness of the disease with a Heart Healthy Party.
INVITATION TYPE
DECORATIONS
- Use red colored decorations – cups, utensils, plates, streamers, balloons, etc. plus images of hearts.
- Provide each guest with a heart disease awareness pin.
- Refer to the Go Red for Women party planning kit for more tips, tools, and advice.
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
A heart healthy party definite needs some heart healthy fare. Check out some of these recipes from the Mayo Clinic:
- Appetizer: White Bean Dip
- Entrée: Baked Chicken and Wild Rice with Onion and Tarragon
- Dessert: Warm Chocolate Soufflés
- Cocktail: Cranberry Spritzer
ENTERTAINMENT
- Have plenty of disease information materials, such as pamphlets, leaflets, and printouts with statistics and tips out and available for guests to pore over.
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Create a playlist with songs about the heart. Some examples:
- “Straight from the Heart,” by Bryan Adams
- “Heart and Soul,” by Huey Lewis and the News
- “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion
- “Don’t Phunk with My Heart,” by The Blacked Eyed Peas
- “The Beat of My Heart,” by Hilary Duff
GAMES
- Have each guest perform a risk assessment on-line. Keep a guest list handy and check off each name to ensure everyone has participated.
ATTIRE
- Wear red! The red dress became a symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002. Even if you don’t have a red dress, or, you’re a man and don’t feel comfortable wearing a dress for 1,001 obvious reasons, you can show your support with a red shirt or sweater.
LAST MINUTE TIPS
To continue to raise awareness and thank you friends for their support, consider purchasing some of these Heart Disease Awareness favors like these from Charming Chick. You may also pool money together with your guests to make a donation to the cause.
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
