Go Red for Women – Raising Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease

photos by YASMIN LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, taking more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined, but the simple truth is that cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, with education and a change to a healthy lifestyle. In an effort to increase women’s heart health awareness and also serve as a stimulus for change to improve the lives of women across the world, the American Heart Association started the Go Red for Women initiative. On February 3, 2023, the local American Heart Association in the Triad held the Triad Go Red for Women Luncheon, at High Point Country Club with women shoulder to shoulder, taking on heart disease for themselves and those to come.

This year’s luncheon was attended by more than 200 women, including local heart disease and stroke survivors of cardiovascular disease, supporters and sponsors.

2023 marks Go Red for Women’s 19th year, and this year’s luncheon was a unique event featuring education, inspiration and community support for those women who have dealt with heart and stroke issues and information to help other women with changes they can make to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

“We were very fortunate to have guest speakers, which included Leah Hazelwood, Chair of the Triad Go Red for Women campaign and Vice President of Go-Forth Pest Control, Alisha Hutchens, COO of Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Tracey McCain, WFMY News 2 anchor who emceed for the event. Valda Boyd Ford was the featured speaker, sharing her personal and professional experience, fighting hypertension to prevent heart disease and stroke. Women see this luncheon as not only a time of fun and making new friends, as well as seeing old ones, but a time to learn how to better take care of themselves, as well. As women, we tend to take care of everyone else before ourselves, but with heart disease, women need to be proactive with their health and Go Red for Women helps to drive that point home,” said Sarah Fedele, director of communications and marketing for the American Heart Association in the Triad.

If you would like more information on Go Red for Women, visit goredforwomen.org. To make a donation and support women’s heart health, visit TriadGoRedHeart.org.

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Carolyn Peterson

Carolyn grew up in Pfafftown and has been with Forsyth Magazines since 2006. With degrees in communication/journalism and psychology from UNC-G, she enjoys writing stories about local people and businesses making our community better through their efforts. Carolyn is passionate about helping animals and has four rescue dogs of her own. In her ‘regular’ job, Carolyn is a territory sales manager for a pharmaceutical company and has been in the medical industry for over 20 years. Carolyn enjoys spending time with friends, working out, specifically spin class, gardening, baking, and cheering on her Georgia Bulldogs. She is most at peace on a beach with her toes in the sand, reading a good book.

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