The American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon celebrates women as part of a national campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women.
It’s not just a problem for “older” women. Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age. In fact, new research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women – nationally sponsored by CVS Health – is the American Heart Association’s movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Go Red for Women is working in communities around the world to help women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat, and empower them to take action to lower their risk.
Go Red for Women empowers women to get healthy through “Watch Me Go Red” – a campaign designed to engage women to show others what they do to experience good health and well-being, while inspiring others to do the same. Because together, there’s nothing women can’t achieve.
Calls to Action
The AHA wants to inspire women with three messages and related “Calls to Action:”
- Awareness is critical! Starting at age 20, women should get screened for cardiovascular disease. Know your numbers – the five key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. CTA: Know your family history and talk to your doctor about heart disease.
- Even modest changes to diet and lifestyle can lower risk by as much as 80%. Make living a healthy lifestyle a priority by moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure. CTA: Track your physical activity, diet and blood pressure through the American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control.
- More research is needed to find new ways to treat, beat and prevent heart disease in women. Participating in research has never been easier or more important. CTA: Research Goes Red puts women in the driver’s seat to accelerate scientific discovery by contributing to health research through clinical trials, surveys, focus groups and more.
This year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon is Friday, Feb. 7, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
Courtesy of the American Heart Association
