SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
On Monday, February 1, 2010 Lawlor Events Center will join the Reno Go Red for Women committee and turn an unprecedented “red” for the day in recognition of women’s heart disease and the profound effects of the No. 1 killer of American Women. At a press conference to be held at Lawlor, Athletic Director Cary Groth and several UNR coaches and student athletes will join the local Go Red committee in attendance wearing red for this important cause — one of the few times Nevada athletes will be seen sporting red.
The American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day recognizes and draws attention to a woman’s threat of heart disease by designating Friday, February 5 as a day to promote the importance of heart health. By wearing the symbolic and powerful red of the Go Red for Women movement, we pledge to work together to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease and stroke claim more women’s lives each year than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
“We hope the message of Nevada athletes and heart attack survivors will inspire women to make healthy changes of their own and join us in our fight against heart disease and stroke, the number one killer of women,” said Tiffany East, chairwoman of the 2010 Go Red Luncheon.
The news conference will serve as reminder to women about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise in living a healthy life. “You don’t have to be an athlete to be healthy,” said Cary Groth, director of athletics Nevada Wolf Pack.
Also speaking at the news conference are: Janet Albright, M.D., General and Vascular Associates and Connie Wray radio personality from Alice 96.5. Dr. Albright, along with other area physicians, formed the vascular section of the Renown Institute for Health and Vascular Health. These experts dedicate their time to diagnosing, treating and preventing vascular diseases such as preipheral artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. A heart disease survivor, Wray was diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary atresia at birth in 1973. She had a hole in her heart and was missing a heart valve. Just days old she had her first round of surgeries; today she continues to see a heart specialist for checkups and will have her first child in February.
Friday, Feb. 5 is National Wear Red Day. Local men and women are encouraged to join the millions of supporters nationwide by wearing red in their own fashion – sport a red tie or sweater; wear a red dress, red lipstick or carry a red purse.“A simple gesture of wearing red can make a big impact. It gets people talking about heart disease and thinking about the women they love who are at risk,” said Charles Johns, executive director for the AHA in Reno. “Go Red for Women is a visually powerful way to encourage women to improve their heart health and gives them the tools to make the right choices for their hearts.”
GO RED EVENTS
This year, to tie in to the national movement, on Friday, Feb. 5, the “Changes of Heart” Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held at the Atlantis Hotel Casino as an educational program that encourages women to become champions of heart health. Proceeds from the event will benefit: women and heart disease research, educational materials and community programs-for women, and educational programs for health professionals and their patients about women and heart disease. The luncheon generates funds for education and research while educating women on what they can do to live stronger, longer lives. (See the Media Advisory regarding the luncheon)
ABOUT HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN
Heart disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year, which is about one every minute. To fight this statistic, the AHA launched Go Red for Women as a public awareness campaign in 2003 and intensifies the campaign during American Heart Month every February.
Go Red for Women provides a plan to help women assess their personal risk for heart disease and stroke and empowers them to lower their risk through simple healthy lifestyle changes. The AHA asks women to visit their doctor regularly; learn their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers; and take action to safeguard their own health and the health of their loved ones.
The initial grassroots awareness campaign has quickly grown into a movement involving millions of women, men, celebrities, healthcare professionals and political figures who have embraced and elevated awareness of women and heart disease as an important public health issue. The northern Nevada Go Red for Women Committee urges women to help safeguard their own heart health and encourages women to join the Go Red for Women movement, too.
The easiest way to join the Go Red for Women movement is to visit www.goredforwomen.org and take the Heart Check-Up. For information about educational speakers or heart health, please call the AHA in Reno at 775-322-7065. Luncheon tickets are available at http://ahareno.ejoinme.org/NorthernNevadaGoRed. Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck; amongst the local sponsors are International Game Technology, Renown Health System, EMPLOYERS Insurance Company of Nevada, and Macy’s.
