

By Mike Governale

You may have noticed the City of Rochester went red last night. February is American Heart Month and buildings including Xerox Tower, Kodak Tower, One East Avenue, Rundell Library, and City Hall were lit up to show support for National Wear Red Day and raise awareness about heart health…



Dozens of local businesses, community groups, hospitals, towns and schools participate in the Go Red movement to help raise awareness and funds to fight cardiovascular disease, including lighting local buildings up in red.



Many people think of heart disease as a man’s disease, but according to the American Heart Association one in three women die of heart disease and stroke. Here are some important facts…

80% of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education. Prevention starts with a Well-Woman Visit today, know your family health history.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in African-American women, killing over 48,000 annually.

A little more than half are likely to call 9-1-1 if they experience symptoms, yet 79% of women said they would call 9-1-1 if someone else was having a heart attack.

Women’s symptoms are different than men, they may include pressure across the chest, shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.



Marc Natale, Executive Director of the Rochester American Heart Association says, “Heart disease is still women’s number one killer, affecting more women than men and more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.”



But women can fight back against this silent killer as part of the Go Red For Women movement. Go Red For Women invites women to speak up and take charge of their heart health. Women are encouraged to schedule a Well-Woman visit, or schedule a doctor appointment, and make simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating healthier, exercising more and maintaining a healthy weight.

Get your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

Schedule a Well-Woman visit.

Own your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.

Raise your voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.

Educate your family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids or young people in your family the importance of staying active.

Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money: www.GoRedForWomen.org .



Funds raised through Wear Red Day help support the life-saving initiatives of the American Heart Association – awareness campaigns, prevention and education programs and cutting-edge scientific research. In the Rochester region, the American Heart Association currently funds more than $1.9 million in research related to cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

American Heart Association invites women to find more important health tips at www.GoRedForWomen.org including online tools and health assessments.

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Tags: American Heart Association, American Heart Month, City of Rochester, health care, heart disease, Kodak Tower, Marc Natale, National Wear Red Day, One East Avenue, Rochester, Rochester American Heart Association, Rochester City Hall, Rochester NY, Rochester skyline, Rundel Library, Rundel Memorial Building, Xerox Tower



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