February is American Heart Month, and Atlanta Women’s Network supports the American Heart Association in promoting awareness of heart health for women. We’re joining the AHA’s Go Red campaign, by wearing red to indicate our solidarity.
Although promotion of health-oriented charities is not a traditional part of AWN’s mission, this connection does fit our goal: to provide Atlanta’s professional women with tools that will promote and enhance our overall success and enrichment. We believe information about heart health for women is a tool that saves and enhances lives every day of every year.
Here are some facts:
- Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer of women in America; heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill more women than the next five causes of death combined. In 2006, only 57% of women understood this and, surprisingly, that is up from only 34% in 2000.
- Women are less likely than men to receive specialized diagnostic testing and treatments, such as angioplasties and stents, for cardiovascular diseases.
- The effectiveness of drug and medical devices may differ in women and men, yet doctors and researchers for women as they would for men.
Please check out the links below for more information.
Because we know that Atlanta Women’s Network members can be influential in raising awareness of heart health for women we are expressing our support for the Heart Association’s Go Red campaign in three ways:
- We invite attendees at our February 26th luncheon, featuring Cynthia Good, to wear something red for a photograph showing our support.
- We will be featured at the Red Dress Exhibition -- a free, public display of red fashion contributed by area leaders (thank you Elizabeth Wilson) to raise awareness and to celebrate the energy, passion and power of women, to wipe out heart disease.
- We ask all women to inform other women about heart disease as our Number 1 killer, and our need to take charge of our heart health.
Joining together, AWN reaffirms: We are able, we have the tools, and we can change our futures. See you on Feb. 26th!
Jackie White
AWN President, 2007-2008
AWN President, 2007-2008
