February was first declared American Heart Month in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, nine years after he had a heart attack. American Heart Month kicks off on the first of the month, and on the first Friday of the month, you are encouraged to wear red in support of eradicating heart disease and stroke, as heart disease remains the number one killer of women. Reporter Cassidy Taylor called Dr. Edith Jones Poland to talk about Go Red for Women and what they are doing to raise awareness.
“Cardiovascular disease kills one woman every 80 seconds.”
Go Red for Women was first launched 2004 as the American Heart Association’s global initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. This year, Dr. Edith Jones-Poland of Yucca Valley is serving as the chairwoman for the American Heart Association Go Red for Women in the Coachella Valley and the Hi-Desert.
“I have the opportunity of putting together a team of people that helps me to lead the initiative in these areas to raise awareness of the importance of cardiovascular disease and women and girls.”
Go Red for Women will be hosting a free digital luncheon on Friday, February 5, from noon to 1 p.m. to raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association to continue researching and trying to understand cardiovascular disease in women and girls.
“We know that although these conditions have been extensively researched, women are underrepresented in the research that has been done.”
Remember to wear red this Friday, February 5, to support the “Go Red for Women” event to help eradicate heart disease.
A link to register for the digital Go Red for Women luncheon is here:
Website: cvgoredluncheon.heart.org
Full Interview:
As the chairwoman for the American Heart Association Go Red for Women in the Coachella Valley and the Hi-Desert, I have the opportunity of putting together a team of people that helps me to lead the initiative in these areas, to raise awareness of the importance of cardiovascular disease in women and girls.
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women. So cardiovascular disease kills one woman every 80 seconds. And it’s interesting because over 40% of Hispanic adults over the age of 20 have cardiovascular disease. This is an extremely important condition. And for black women, they’re more likely to have cardiovascular disease than any form of cancer, accidents, assault, and Alzheimer’s all combined. So it claims more lives and all of those serious conditions combined.
This year’s Go Red event is going to be a virtual experience. That means that it’s going to be online from the comfort of your own home, it’s free to attend. It’s Friday, February 5, from noon to 1 p.m., you can participate at home during your lunch hour or at work.
It’s very, very easy to get involved this year. You can register by going to see the cvgoredluncheon.heart.org. The money raised by the Go Red movement goes specifically to researching and understanding cardiovascular disease in women and girls. We know that although these conditions have been extensively researched, women are underrepresented in the research that has been done. The American Heart Association also puts money behind encouraging women to participate in this research. So, they have a branch that works to encourage STEM programs for women and girls as well.
