Women urged to take charge of their heart health

Did you know that a woman is 10 times as likely to die from heart disease as from breast cancer? Cardiovascular diseases kill more than 505,000 American females every year — more than cancer, chronic lung disease, pneumonia, diabetes, accidents and AIDS combined.

As a Monmouth County resident, American Heart Association volunteer and the survivor of a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest and triple bypass surgery at age 39, I urge all women, businesses, towns and people from all walks of life to "Go Red for Women!" on Feb. 6.

The American Heart Association has declared Feb. 6 as National Wear Red Day for Women to bring attention to the magnitude of heart disease and stroke in women.

Nearly 15,500 New Jersey females die annually from heart disease and stroke — the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of New Jersey females.

The American Heart Association’s new "Go Red for Women!" campaign will be officially unveiled on Feb. 4 during American Heart Month, and will invite women to take charge of their heart health, make it a top priority and live a stronger, longer life. The bold color red will be the American Heart Association’s color for women and heart disease, and on Feb. 6, women, people from all walks of life and cities across the nation will "Go Red for Women!"

As a survivor, Monmouth County resident, and American Heart Association "Go Red for Women!" spokeswoman, I encourage everyone, but especially women, to wear something red — a red dress, shirt, scarf, jacket or other red item on Feb. 6 in support of all women who have been touched by heart disease or stroke.

It is time for New Jersey women to take charge of their cardiovascular health by becoming more knowledgeable. Learn more about the American Heart Association "Go Red for Women!" campaign by calling the America Heart Association at 1-888-MY-HEART.

Joan Ferraro

American Heart Association Go Red for Women!

spokeswoman