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Many years ago I was eagerly waiting for a visit from my mother, who was flying to California to help me after the birth of my son. Since he was my first, and did not come with a user's manual, I couldn't wait until she arrived to impart the wisdom of motherhood on my nervous and inadequate self. She never made it.
Five days after my son was born, my mom died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. My son grew up having never met his grandmother, a smart and very funny woman. It didn't have to happen. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. More women will die of heart disease or stroke than all forms of cancer combined.
The American Heart Association is determined to do something about these dire statistics through their Go Red for Womenprogram promoting heart health and awareness that kicks off every February.
Photo by Tiffany (Flickr).
I was fortunate to interview Dr. Gordon Tomaselli, the president of the American Heart Association so he could tell the women of BlogHer about this important program and other steps that will lead to heart health. We're surrounded by hearts in February anyway, but this message will last a lot longer and provide far greater benefits than a box of chocolates.
BlogHer: February 3rd was National Wear Red day in honor of the AHA’s "Go Red" program What can you tell us about Go Red?
Dr. Tomaselli: It's a campaign that started in the early 2000s to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The month of February is American Heart Month and Go Red for Women is a major campaign during the month. It's targeted at women for number of reasons:
- Even though heart disease kills more women than any other illness, it is under-recognized.
- Women are the gate keepers for their family's health.
- We are going to make gains by preventing the health problems to begin with, through diet, exercise, and avoiding bad habits.
The American Heart Association has been involved with many activities this month to promote awareness. There was a fashion show as part of fashion week in New York with Gloria Esteban and Christie Brinkley. They have a walk-a-thon in NYC. Visiting "the hill" is also an essential part of the mix for the American Heart Association, and Dr. Tomaselli was in DC for a Congressional Go Red discussion.
The AHA has definitely been increasing sponsorships over last year. They've signed with Jenny Craig for the My Heart My Life program.Macy's and Merck have also partnered with the AHA as part of Go Red.
BlogHer: We know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. today, but it's not something that younger women think about often. What is the AHA doing to educate younger women about heart health?
Dr. Tomaselli: The My Heart My Life program with Jenny Craig has Mariah Carey as their ambassador. It's a way to reach out to younger women. The thing that makes the most powerful engagement is finding those who have been touched by heart disease and stroke -- my own mom had a heart transplant at age 49. One of our most vocal advocates on the hill and around the country at events is Star Jones, who had a heart valve replacement.
BlogHer: What are the top things women can do to promote heart health for themselves and their family?
Dr. Tomaselli: Look to what we call "Life's Simple 7":
- Stop Smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get active
- Eat better
- Manage blood pressure
- Reduce cholesterol
- Control blood sugar
BlogHer: What about family history of heart disease?
Dr. Tomaselli: You can't choose your genes. But there are certainly things you can do to help the situation The fact that somebody has a bad family history -- that they had heart diseases doesn't mean necessarily that you're going to have it. Most high cholesterol is not passed on as a trait. Grandma and grandpa or your parents may have had some very bad habits. They may have been smoking and overweight and eating eggs every day. Family history is important, but it's important in context.
BlogHer: We know that weight issues correlate to heart health in a big way -- why hasn't science or medicine come up with effective solutions for America's obesity epidemic?
Dr. Tomaselli: Obesity results from complex social, economic, societal behavior. People are much more sedentary today sitting in front of their computers. The
