Go Red and promote heart health

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) - In 2004, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women , a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. It challenges women to know their risk for heart disease and to take action to reduce their personal risk.

Since the first National Wear Red Day, tremendous strides have been made in the fight against heart disease in women, including:

• 21% fewer women dying from heart disease
• 23% more women aware that it's their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

But the fight is far from over as still hundreds of thousands of women still die each year. It's time to stand stronger, speak louder and promote the cause. The American Heart Association is celebrating 10 years of Go Red For Women, their national movement to end heart disease in women.

The American Heart Association is holding their annual Go Red For Women Conference here in West Michigan on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Noto's Old World Cuisine in Grand Rapids. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a silent auction, interactive health workshops and a Go Red smoothie bar. At Noon the luncheon begins which includes moving stories from heart attack survivors and more.

For more information contact Joanne Stockdale at 616-617-4494 or via email at Joanne.Stockdale@heart.org