McGuire lived in Baltimore County with her husband, two school-aged children and her mother. Her husband declined through Fry to be interviewed.
More employers are providing screening and wellness programs in the workplace to reduce health care costs, increase productivity and retain workers, said MaryAnne Hraba, a senior health and productivity consultant at Watson Wyatt, a global human resource and consultant firm.
"Without a healthy mind and a healthy body, it's difficult to be a productive and effective employee," said Gordon of Ballard Spahr. "We care about our employees, and we want to see them take care of themselves."
Sandra Unitas, 63, the widow of Baltimore football legend Johnny Unitas, credits Sister to Sister for saving her life. She said she understands the competing obligations and pressures that women face, but she encouraged them to take care of themselves, too.
In late 2006, she was contacted by Sister to Sister to talk to women about the heart attack that killed her husband in 2002.
She figured she should "walk the walk" herself and go through a heart screening. Looking back, she said she felt fatigued, chalking it up to stress.
Test results revealed a significant blockage of a coronary artery responsible for feeding blood and oxygen to her heart. Even when the doctor recommended surgery immediately, she said she was thinking of her obligations that day before she realized the urgency.
"We're so used to putting ourselves last," she said. But "I think it's important that we make younger people and everyone aware of how important it is to take care of your health."
hanah.cho@baltsun.com
Health fair
Sister to Sister Foundation Women's Heart Health Fair:
When:
Tuesday
Where:
Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St.
Time:
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost:
Free
Information:
www.sistertosister.org or (410) 616-8953
