Wine tasting will be good for your heart and for others |
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By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor
HOLYOKE The Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Association wants to help the Holyoke Medical Center by raising enough funds to purchase a specialized, non-invasive heart monitor.
What better way to raise those funds than to offer something that's good for the heart (in small amounts) red wine?
Merle Ryan, chair of the Auxiliary's "A Heart Healthy Toast," explained that 45 different wines would be offered for sampling at the event, including wines from Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, France, Italy and California. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres will be served to complement the various wines as well.
"The role of the Auxiliary is to raise funds to donate to the hospital for whatever they need," Ryan said. The heart monitor the group is looking to donate, which would be used in the intensive care unit, costs approximately $10,000.
"They [doctors at the medical center] have been wanting one of these monitors for about a year," Ryan commented. "We thought it would be a good connection to have a wine tasting, since, in theory, red wine is good for the heart."
Katherine Kam, a writer for WebMD, noted that "some studies have shown that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have less risk of heart disease than nondrinkers, and some research suggests red wine may offer extra health benefits" which may include limiting atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and boosting levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.
The American Heart Association stated that one or two drinks a day have been shown to increase HDL by about 12 percent.
Ryan encouraged wine lovers to come out for the event, which will take place at Hamel's Summit View, 555 Northampton St., on Oct. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
"The money goes to a good cause," she said. "It's a great chance to socialize. There will be good wine and good food."
There will also be a raffle for those willing to guess how many corks fill a fish tank. The closest to the correct number without going over will win $1,000.
Ryan said the Auxiliary is hoping for 150 participants in the wine tasting. Tickets, which are $35 each, are still available. They can be purchased at Holyoke Medical Center's coffee shop.
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