Go red and fight women's heart disease

February often has people seeing red -- from the color of cold noses to the endless displays of valentine cards. But on Friday, Feb. 6, people will be seeing red for a different reason, especially around First Baptist Church. Heritage Medical Center is sponsoring its first "Go Red for Women" luncheon at noon, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeffery Webber, a cardiologist with the Frist group, now associated with Heritage.

"We're asking everyone to wear red that day," said Pam Fisher, public relations and marketing director for Heritage.

"Go Red for Women" is a national movement founded by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the rising incidences of heart disease and strokes in women.

"Today, our near-term goal is nothing less than a 25 percent reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke risk by the year 2010," states the web site www.goredforwomen.org. "As we work toward that goal, we're working hard to change the perception that heart disease is a 'man's disease.'"

Asking people to wear red on Feb. 6 is only one way the organization raises awareness. By registering with the web site, any civic group, business, church, or even household can receive free downloadable tools that help spread the word. The web site is loaded with valuable information about cardiovascular health, from diet tips to statistics.

Last year, more than 50 major businesses participated in the Go Red for Women campaign, including Schering Plough, Lexus and Geico. On Feb. 1, major cities "went red" by lighting up major landmarks in a red glow, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Washington Monument.

The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which kill more than 870,000 Americans each year.

"That's a life every 36 seconds," the web site states. "Furthermore, cardiovascular disease claims the lives of approximately 460,000 women every year, causing almost one death per minute."

In 1997, the American Heart Association began a movement when it launched its groundbreaking "Take Wellness To Heart" awareness campaign created by women for women. In February 2004, the association launched Go Red For Women -- extending the effort that began in 1997 -- with a primary goal to educate women that heart disease is their leading cause of death.

The Go Red for Women luncheon is free, but donations will be accepted and forwarded directly to the American Heart Association for Education and research. It's open to the public -- and not just women.

"We've had several men sign up already," said Fisher.

There will be door prizes, as well as informational material about cardiovascular health. Even though the event is free, reservations are needed and must be made by Monday. To make reservations, call Fisher at 685-8390.

IF YOU GO

What: Go Red For Women Luncheon

Where: First Baptist Church

When: Noon, Friday, Feb. 6

Cost: Free, but reservations are required. Call 685-8390