I’ve had the privilege of serving as emcee for the American Heart Associations annual “Go Red for Women” luncheon for the past three years. It’s an event that has really enlightened me on the importance of taking care of my heart. I never knew heart disease was the number one killer of women. I never knew the symptoms of a heart attack for women were different than men.
My high school English teacher and former neighbor died several years ago of a heart attack. Mrs. Vickers always seemed like a woman who would be around forever. She was very strong, active in her community and with the kids at the school. She also kept us neighborhood kids in line. Nothing and I mean nothing, got past her. One day she came home with a really bad cough that wouldn’t seem to go away. Next thing you know her husband found her on the floor. She had a massive heart attack and died, never thinking it was something wrong with her heart. Her husband said she didn’t have chest pain, she just thought it was a bad cold.
That’s why we as women need to know the warning signs; we need to be one step ahead of our healthcare and knowing our bodies. Join me this week in promoting the importance of heart health, together we can make a difference!
The “Go Red for Women” symposium will be held this Friday, January 4th from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza.
