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Bay Area News
Local Women to Raise Awareness for Heart
Disease
submitted by Steffi Hutto
Clear Lake — Too few women realize that heart disease is their No. 1 killer.
But the good news is that heart disease can largely be prevented. For that
reason, the Go Red For Women movement encourages women to improve their
heart health while taking action to fight women’s heart disease.
On April 18, hundreds of women will come together for the 2008 Go Red For
Women Luncheon, presented by Alex Rodriguez Mercedes Benz and Clear Lake
Regional Medical Center. The Go Red for Women Luncheon unites the community
to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke and to charge women with the
responsibility of loving their hearts.
"I see first-hand how devastating heart disease can be. More than 60 percent
of women who die of heart disease die suddenly, without experiencing any
previous symptoms," said Kelli Nations, Cardiovascular Service Line Director
at The Heart and Vascular Hospital at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center and
Chairwoman of the 2008 Go Red For Women luncheon, “Raising awareness is the
first step but we must do more. The Go Red For Women movement is a way to
channel our energy and resources to connect with women in the community and
provide the tools and information they need to protect themselves and their
families. When women learn to love their hearts, they also learn to
appreciate their health, their lives, and the health of their loved ones.”
Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign has
captured the energy, passion, and intelligence of women to work collectively
to wipe out heart disease. The purpose of the movement is for millions of
women across America to take heart disease personally. Using the simple
platform "Love Your Heart," Go Red for Women engages these women – and the
men who love them – to embrace the cause.
With one in three adult women in the United States suffering from a form of
cardiovascular disease, Go Red for Women recognizes the urgency of women’s
heart disease. While awareness is important, it is critical that women visit
healthcare professionals regularly for check ups and discussion of personal
medical history and risk factors or visit the Go Red Heart Checkup available
at www.goredforwomen.org .
Ms. Nations hopes the luncheon encourages women to take the time to take
care of themselves: “Discover how a red dress can help protect your life and
the lives of your loved ones. You must fight for yourself, fight for your
heart. Strive to learn something new at this year’s luncheon—and also have a
great time!” Nellie Gonzalez will serve as emcee at the luncheon and image
consultant, Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary (
www.cathyfitzpatrick.com ),
will intrigue the crowd with her one-of-a-kind fashion show. The luncheon
will kick off at 11 a.m. in the Crystal Ball Room at South Shore Harbour
Resort.
The luncheon committee is currently seeking sponsors, volunteers, and
participants. Individual tickets are $60. For more information, contact
Steffi Hutto at 713.610.5072 or
steffi.hutto@heart.org .
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