Tickets On Sale Now for Women's Heart Luncheon

Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual Heart to Heart Luncheon, sponsored by Saint Francis Medical Center and the Heart to Heart Committee. Nationally recognized nutrition and fitness expert Mitzi Dulan, RD, CSSD, will be the keynote speaker at the event April 1 at Drury Lodge, 104 S. Vantage Drive.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, causing one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association® (AHA). Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. However, 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Saint Francis' Heart to Heart Luncheon is a great forum for learning how to better care for your heart.

While losing weight and exercising might seem daunting at first, they are more manageable when you break them down into smaller steps, says Dulan.

"Just cutting out 100 calories a day would help you lose 10 pounds in a year," says Dulan, whose presentation is titled "Eight Habits for a Healthy Heart." "I talk to audiences a lot about rethinking your drink. So many people drink a lot of calories in soda, juice and sweetened coffees. You can lose weight simply by limiting these drinks."

Other keys to keeping your heart healthy include limiting sodium and saturated fat intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising at least 30 minutes every day.

Dulan is a nationally recognized nutrition and fitness expert who has inspired millions to lose weight and get fit. With her high energy and down-to-earth charm, she passionately motivates all audiences to take action. She co-authored "The All-Pro Diet: Lose Fat, Build Muscle, and Live Like a Champion" with NFL future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez helping people learn how to eat clean to get lean. Dulan is currently the team nutritionist for the Kansas City Royals. She has also worked with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Golden State Warriors and the San Jose Sharks.

Tickets for the Heart to Heart Luncheon are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and include the keynote presentation, cardiovascular health information, door prizes and a delicious heart-healthy meal. Doors open at 11 am with educational exhibits and free health screenings. The luncheon and keynote presentation begin at noon.

For more information or to purchase tickets, stop by Saint Francis' Fitness Plus or call Saint Francis Marketing at 573-331-5327.