Article by: Richmond Grid

RVA Goes Red for Women

The No. 1 killer of women in America is still on the loose-you can help stop it. Heart disease continues to top the leading causes of death for mothers, sisters, and daughters across America, killing almost 500,000 women each year-an average of one death every minute.

Heart disease continues to top the leading causes of death for mothers, sisters, and daughters across America, killing almost 500,000 women each year-an average of one death every minute.
First lady Maureen McDonnell and Marilyn West, the 2012 chair of Go Red for Women.

Yet it lies dangerously under the radar as a major female health concern, too frequently dismissed as “an older man’s disease” when in reality it affects more women than men. .

The American Heart Association has helped dispel myths and raise national awareness for heart disease over the past decade with their passionate “Go Red for Women” social campaign, started in 2004. By urging women to wear red, share their stories, and stand together in the fight against heart disease, the initiative has saved over 627,000 lives to date. .

Women who have chosen to “Go Red” and take charge of their heart health have enjoyed healthy side perks as a result, with over 50 percent exercising more frequently and more than one-third reporting weight-loss. Thanks to an iconic ad campaign, celebrity support, and thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country, the initiative has reached millions of Americans on a national and local level. .

Mary Doswell, senior vice president of Alternative Energy Solutions at Dominion Resources and 2012-2013 Go Red for Women campaign chair in Richmond, urges the necessity of continuing to spread the word on heart disease, especially within our own families and communities. .

Heart disease continues to top the leading causes of death for mothers, sisters, and daughters across America, killing almost 500,000 women each year-an average of one death every minute.
“What’s in her bag,” a hit at the 2012 Go Red for Women event, was one of the many donated auction items last year that was designed to raise funding for the leading cause of death for women across America.

“Great strides have been made, but heart disease is still killing more women than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer,” Doswell emphasizes. “We want to heighten awareness among all women.” .

To get educated on the dangers and details of heart disease, join the Richmond AHA at the ninth annual “Go Red for Women” luncheon on February 15 at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump. .

Cause Partners for the event include Bon Secours Richmond Health Systems and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. Completely open to the public, the event brings together health and fitness experts, medical professionals, and local female leaders for a day of lifesaving lessons on heart disease. .

Other features include a silent auction with items donated from local RVA businesses, survivor stories, and keynote speakers, including Biggest Loser Runner-Up, Hannah Curlee. .

All proceeds from the luncheon will go directly to benefit the American Heart Association’s Women and Heart Disease Research and Education.

HELP PAINT RVA RED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2013
Can’t attend the luncheon? You can still raise local awareness for heart disease by helping paint RVA red on National Wear Red Day. On Friday, February 1, simply put on your best red shirt, snap a photo of people, places, or even pets around Richmond wearing red, and upload it to the AHA Facebook page. To learn more on how you can help spread the red, visit GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay.

CategoriesCommunity Builders, General, Live, NewsTagged
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Richmond Grid

Grid is a solutions-oriented news platform that celebrates makers, storytellers, and community builders. Our goal is to share stories about people inspired by a purpose beyond themselves. We are interested in hard work, humility, authenticity, and stewardship. And most of all, people who roll up their sleeves and push Richmond forward.

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