Go Red For Women Celebrates its 10th anniversary in Northeast Indiana

For 10 years, women have been fighting heart disease individually and together as part of the Go Red For Women movement. More than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved, and 330 fewer women are dying per day. But the fight is far from over. Heart disease is still our No. 1 killer – it affects more women than men and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. But the strength of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends fighting side by side is more powerful than any killer.

In recognition of the 10th National Wear Red Day on Feb. 1, 2013, the mayor of Fort Wayne will be issuing a proclamation and turning the Martin Luther King Bridge red at 5pm on Thursday, 1/31/13.

The Go Red Women’s Passion Committee is hosting a party at Glenbrook Square in front of Macy’s to celebrate from 11am – 5pm on Wear Red Day, 2/1/13. Volunteers will be on hand to do health screenings, answer questions, give out red dress pins and share vital health information for women. There will be nutritional demonstrations, exercise routines and yoga to help brighten the day. Special give aways will be offered at the top of every hour.

The first full week of February is Go Red week at all Applebee’s restaurants. Applebee’s is donating a portion of proceeds to our area if one presents a coupon. Coupons can be obtained on Heart.org website and entering Fort Wayne as the event location. Last year, Applebee’s raised almost $20,000.00 for Go Red through this event.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red program with support from Parkview Health and Fifth Third Bank is also able to send Women’s Heart & Stroke educational kits to area churches. The kit includes bulletin inserts, clergy tips, bookmarks and other helpful health information.

The day before Valentine’s Day, 2/13/13, has been set aside for a “Pinot & Prevention” party for women at McMillen Center for Health Education from 5:30pm – 8pm. This party is to remind women to put their health first and is mixed with fun, wine tasting, food, and a dark chocolate fountain with fruit. There will be 5 rooms to visit at the health center to sample great information. Sponsoring the party is “cinda b” and the new summer patterns for handbags, totes and sports gear will be on display. There is a fee of $20 per person and open only to those ages 21 and over.

Not everyone can participate in all or some events, but we do ask for people to help us turn America Red for the month. The AHA is asking homeowners, businesses and landmarks to turn red for the month. For more information In recognition of the 10th National Wear Red Day on Feb. 1, 2013, Go Red For Women asks that across America, Women Go Red. Learn more at GoRedForWomen.org

Here are a few reasons why we go red~

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only one in five American women believes heart disease is her greatest health threat. With the right information, education and care, heart disease in women can be treated, prevented, and even ended.
Women who Go Red are more likely to make healthy choices
Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease – risk factors very similar to those for stroke. Women who Go Red are more likely to make choices that help their heart health and brain health. Remember, actions to prevent heart disease also help prevent stroke
For more information on Church Kits or any other project for Go Red, contact Mary Pat Leonard at 260-485-9890.