February 1, 2008 4:28 PM
For too many years in the U.S., heart disease was considered a man’s disease. It was generally accepted among private citizens and the medical community that heart disease was more likely to hit the male population due to their lifestyles, physical makeup and stress associated with their work. No one knows how many women lost their lives because of this widespread misconception but today things are thankfully different. Today, it is widely understood that many women are at great risk for heart disease.
February is Heart Month, although the American Heart Association focuses on women’s cardiovascular health year round. A quick look at the numbers explains why:
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of Louisianans, accounting for 35% of all deaths.
• The CVD death rate in Louisiana was 12% higher than the national rate (2002).
• Cardiovascular diseases kills more women than men in Louisiana and in the New Orleans area.
• Louisiana residents spent a total of 455,652 days in the hospital due to CVD, at a cost of $2.4 billion.
• The average hospitalization for CVD lasted five days and produced $26,608 in charges.With numbers like these, the AHA took it upon itself some years ago to bring national attention to the plight of the neglected female population.
Go Red For Women
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to make women aware of their risk for heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death among women, and take action to reduce their risk.
Despite being the No. 1 killer of women, heart disease is largely preventable.
Educate yourself! One in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Knowing your personal risk of heart disease is the first powerful, lifesaving step to a healthy life – no matter your age.
Know your risk! Take the Go Red For Women Heart CheckUp at www.GoRedForWomen.org to find out your 10-year personal risk for heart disease. Visit your healthcare provider on a yearly basis to control your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.
Get connected! Join the Go Red For Women movement to connect with women nationwide who share your passion to prevent heart disease. Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org to see how other women are living longer and stronger and get personalized questions answered by an American Heart Association expert.
The Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc, with additional support from our cause sponsors.
This Is the Day to Start Loving Your Heart
Visit your healthcare provider to learn how to make heart-healthy habits part of your daily life. Follow up by scheduling a doctor’s appointment each year.
Know your numbers. Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and weight and keep them in a healthy range.
Determine your risk for heart disease by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp at www.GoRedForWomen.org.
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine with Choose To Move, a 12-week physical activity and nutrition program that can be customized to fit your lifestyle. Register at www.GoRedForWomen.org.
Add more color to your plate by eating more fruits and vegetables daily. Find cooking tips and flavorful recipes that are good for your heart in the Go Red “Love Your Heart” 5th anniversary cookbook.
Go Red For Women Heart CheckUp
The Go Red For Women Heart CheckUp online tool provides women with their 10-year heart disease risk assessment and helps them turn awareness into action.
This tool helps consumers understand their potential heart disease risk and provides them with next steps on how to take action.
Consumers/patients will receive a report to use as a guideline for discussing their individual heart disease risk with their physician.
Go to www.GoRedForWomen.org and enter key health numbers and lifestyle information.
The American Heart Association created the Go Red Heart CheckUp to motivate women to take action and talk with their doctors about their long-term heart health.
Women and Heart Disease Statistics
• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, but only 21 percent of women view heart disease as a health threat.
• Cardiovascular disease kills more than 460,000 per year, almost one per minute.
• More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined.
Dear Women of New Orleans,
One in 33 women will die of breast cancer. One in three women will die of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than the next four leading causes of death (including all forms of cancer) combined.
WOW – re-read those stats
As someone who spent most of my life spreading the gospel about New Orleans food, I decided to spread the word about the risk factors we seem to know dangerously little about in women. I am hoping that you will too! I desperately want to get this information out there and to do it in a format that is impactful. That of course means we’ll be having some fun, ladies!
Unlike luncheons in the past, Go Red 2008 will be an all day event focusing on education. I would like to take this time to spread our message of survival throughout the community and beyond by including women from all walks of life. Once armed with awareness, I believe these men and women can be a tremendous asset to AHA’s continued success. Most vital to our Go Red for Women mission is not only to enlighten, but also to empower them to listen to their hearts and to act on what they hear. Please join us on March 18, 2008 at the JW Marriott to learn how to live a longer stronger life.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Go Red Chairwoman, Ti Adelaide Martin