Our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. This is why I Go Red for Women.
How do we prevent heart disease in women? Get informed about the risks of heart disease and stroke. Know the red flags. Know your heart health story.
Step 1: Schedule a Well-Woman Visit: invest an hour in your life to save the rest.
- A Well-Woman Visit is a scheduled prevention check-up to review a woman’s overall health so her doctor can measure blood pressure, check cholesterol and look for signs of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
- It is a separate visit from other appointments for specific sicknesses or injures.
- The visit can be scheduled with a primary care physician, nurse-practitioner or an Obstetrician Gynecologist (OB-GYN).
- Know your family health history before your Well-Woman Visit. Family history can be a significant – and often unknown – risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- For most women, a Well-Woman Visit has no additional costs because of the Affordable Care Act, but not for all, so check your insurance plan for preventive services coverage before scheduling your visit.
Step 2: Raise Your Voice
Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.
Raise Your Voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you & your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.
Step 3: Know the Facts
- Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.
- 80% of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education.
- Heart disease and stroke affect women of all ethnicities.
- Women who are involved with the Go Red For Women movement live healthier lives.
- When you get involved in supporting Go Red For Women by advocating, fundraising and sharing your story, more lives are saved.
About Go Red For Women
The American Heart Association‘s Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s, with additional support from cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedForWomen.org or
call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278).
Disclosure: This is not a paid post, but simply an issue I feel passionate about sharing. Information, facts, and content courtesy of The American Heart Association.
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