Message From Nancy Brown
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Philadelphia Go Red For Women Luncheon! We’re delighted you are here and appreciate your interest in learning how you can advance health, stop heart disease and save women’s lives. That’s what the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement is all about.
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s problem. It’s a woman’s problem, too. In fact, it’s the No. 1 killer of women. And, tragically, far too few women realize their risk from this preventable disease. We need to raise women’s awareness of their risk and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and ourselves.
You can help, starting today. Here’s how:
First, take charge of your own heart health. Visit your doctor. Know your numbers (learn more at www.GoRedForWomen.org). You can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers by making lifestyle changes. You’ll be healthier and look and feel better, too.
Second, join the American Heart Association in making it your mission to fight heart disease in women. Help spread the word that heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer. Share what you learn today with your family and members of your community. Tell five women you want them to live and we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime.
Third and last, consider making a contribution. Your donation today will make a difference in the lives of women here and across the country. You can help fund local and national Go Red activities that support awareness, research, education and community programs that benefit women.
Thank you again for being here. My hope is that you won’t leave today without committing to making a difference by joining the Go Red For Women movement — women everywhere need your help. Only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. We believe reducing risk and preventing heart disease starts with education — and you. There’s so much to do, and so much at stake.
With your commitment, we can help women and their families live longer, stronger lives. Thank you for your generous support.
Warm regards,
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer
American Heart Association
Message From Autumn Bayles
In 2004, the American Heart Association faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attnetion. In fact, many even dismissed it as an"older man's disease." To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Womenâ - a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges you to know your risk for heart disease and take action to reduce your personal risk.
The American Heart Association's Go Red For Womenâ movement has been impacting the health of women for over 10 years. During this short time, the AHA has made great strides. MORE THAN 627,000 WOMEN HAVE BEEN SAVED from heart disease and 330 fewer women are dying per day. Over 2 million women have learned their personal risk of developing heart disease by taking the Go Red Heart Checkup. 91% of women involved in Go Red For Womenâ visited their doctor in the last 12 months (compared to 73% of all U.S. women). 64% follow a regular exercise routine. But there is still more work that needs to be done. Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women, CAUSING 1 IN 3 DEATHS EACH YEAR. More women than men have died from cardiovascular disease since 1984. 64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Only slightly more than half of women are likely to call 911 if experiencing symptoms. And yet, 79 percent of women said that they would call 911 if someone else was having a heart attack. As women, we need to take care of ourselves more than we are now.
In addition to encouraging heart disease awareness, the event aimed to raise money for the American Heart Association. Donations to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Womenâ fund research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Currently the American Heart Association funds $15.95 million dollars in heart and stroke research right here in the Delaware Valley.
Please join me and so many other leaders and members of the commnity at this year's Go Red For Womenâ luncheon on May 10, 2013 by contacting Jennifer Davis at575-5226 to inquire about corporate sponsorships. Your attendance is important.
Gratefully,
Autumn Bayles
Chair, Go Red For Womenâ