In today’s Super Bowl, Patricia Denmon is rooting for “Congenital Heart Defects Awareness.”
Denmon explained her position as one of three guest presenters Saturday during the fifth annual Little Red Dress Event, sponsored by Schuylkill Health Auxiliary in honor of American Heart Month.
Linda Humphrey, auxiliary president, introduced presenters and welcomed guests to the program, designed to promote awareness and understanding about the risks of heart disease.
Denmon, Pottsville, shared the journey of her grandson, Graeme Turner, 3, who was born with congenital heart defects. She said two football players in this year’s Super Bowl are “heart dads.” Carolina Panthers’ Charles Tillman and Greg Olsen both have children with CHD, she said.
Denmon, a retired Pottsville teacher, said Graeme has already had two open heart surgeries, heart catheterization and is scheduled for more surgery.
She was joined by her daughter and Graeme’s mother, Elise Turner, Ardmore. Her grandson’s health led her on a mission as an advocate for children’s heart health.
Denmon said CHDs kill twice as many children as childhood cancers, and that CHDs are the most common type of birth defect. Unfortunately, the cause of CHD is unknown.
“Early detection is really important,” she said.
She shared information from the American Heart Association and about a light test that costs less than $4 per baby that can measure the amount of oxygen in a baby’s blood. It’s required to be used in Pennsylvania, she said.
In June, Denmon said their family’s team, called “Super Graeme,” will be participating in a walk with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation, helping to raise funds for research. She also said the Mended Little Hearts program at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia is a wonderful organization that offers families support, as well as makes special hospital care bags for patients’ families.
Denmon can offer assistance with organizations dedicated to finding a cure for CHDs. Anyone wanting more information can email PL304@comcast.net.
In his message, Dr. Robert DeColli Jr. reminded the audience of diet being a four-letter word.
“I want them to view losing weight from a healthy standpoint and do what they need to do, instead of being defeated by the word diet,” DeColli, Pottsville, a board certified doctor in Internal Medicine, said.
He’s also certified by the Heart Rhythm Society in the management of cardiac devices, like pacemakers, intra-cardiac defibrillators and cardiac re-synchronization devices.
He offered a handout as a guide to healthy living. The goal is to eat healthier and not just try to lose weight, he said. In addition to exercising, the tips included no eating after 7 p.m.; eat red meat only 2 to 3 times per week; no fried foods; eat nonfat dairy products; no snacking between meals, unless its vegetables; severely limit starches; watch portion sizes; and drink water, avoiding sodas or drinks with sugar. He suggested making one change each week and then adding another healthier change each week, instead of trying to do too much at once, which can be overwhelming.
The final presentation included a demonstration by professional dog trainers, Steve and Amy Eckert of Brierwood Boarding Kennels and Cattery, Pottsville, and four of their canine friends. They shared that dogs can detect a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, and that people who are pet owners are generally healthier than those without pets. Having a pet encourages people to be more active and also helps reduce stress and depression, Amy Eckert said.
The Little Red Dress Event held at the Ramada Inn, Pottsville, included 17 vendors offering a variety of products, and snacks and hors d’ouevres from Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant and Roman Delight Restaurant.
Several people assisted to make the event possible. Chairpersons included Joanie Dimmerling, Mary Hauck, Paula Ney and Pamela Purcell. Committee members are Mary Bardell, Beth Boyer, Kathy Case, Teddi Cunningham, Joan Deiter, Hermine Murphy, Yvonne Quandel, Rosalind Rux, Millie Scarbinsky, Dorothy Stangl, Marie Wanchick and Dolores Zemantauski.
“Each year, we try focusing on different components of heart health,” Bardell said.
It’s also a good time for friends to gather, according to Cathy Baldigo, Pottsville.
“All of us are friends and we wanted to support the hospital, and support heart health for women,” she said. “It’s a really nice afternoon out and all the speakers are excellent.”
Along with her were Mary Porter, Pottsville, and Joanne Valentine, Brockton. Valentine said she appreciated the first-hand knowledge presented by Patricia Denmon, and she thought all of Saturday’s presentations were well-done.
Renee Rissinger, Hegins, came back to the event, after displaying her “Renee’s Wine Jelly” for the first time last year. She offered seven varieties of jelly along with a homemade cheeseball. Putting the cheeseball with a strawberry jelly was a nice pairing for a Super Bowl treat, according to Kathryn Otto, who joined Rissinger.
Vanessa Karkanica of Made With Love Doggie Cookies, Auburn, was a first-time vendor at the Little Red Dress Event. Her peanut butter heart-shaped treats and vanilla cannoli treats were among the most popular, she said.
Meanwhile, Teresa Hauck and Michael Gavaletz, Sweet Barista, New Philadelphia, had sweet treats available for the “human” crowd. Peanut rolls were one of the most requested, Hauck said.
The CACL Federal Credit Union, Pottsville, also made its first appearance at the program.
“Sometimes the neighbors we live with and interact with, we don’t always know what they’re going through, or about their financial security,” Rebekah Tolar, community outreach specialist for CACL, said. “We want them to know we’re here to help.”
Tolar was joined by April Harley, Tremont.
Ashley Smith, Tamaqua, and Courtney Long, Ashland, represented Usborne Books & More as first-time vendors. Their “Shine A Light” books were publications drawing attention from the crowd.
“It’s great to come out and support a great cause,” Long said.