FAIRMONT — Go Red — for your heart, for your health, for your life.”
“Go Red for Women” is being observed during the month of February as part of the American Heart Association’s nationwide movement to make women aware that they are as much at risk for heart problems as men.
Fairmont General Hospital is getting involved.
“Many women are not aware than heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States,” said Alanna Wyant, manager of cardiac rehab at FGH. “Heart disease is not just a man’s disease anymore.”
“We’re observing the month to bring out public awareness for women,” she said. “We’re having a luncheon at Muriale’s Feb. 26 with several guest speakers. And we’re planning something special at Fairmont General on Feb. 14.”
“The red dress is a symbol for Go Red Day,” said Mary Bates, a registered nurse and registered vascular technologist. “They have done this in Morgantown and Clarksburg, and we want to bring up the awareness here.”
She pointed out that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women over 25, noting that cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 500,000 women each year. That’s more than the next seven causes of women’s deaths combined.
Bates said statistics show that about one in every 2.5 women will die of either heart disease or stroke compared to one in every 30 women from breast cancer.
“We’ll have a table set up in the lobby to help women see how much they are at risk,” she said, noting risk factor profiles will be available.
“They can actually determine their risk of having heart disease within the next 10 years. When they realize where their chances fall, we can give them things they can do to change the risk.”
She gave an example — related to blood pressure.
“For instance, their blood pressure should be less than 120. Most don’t realize that. It could be diet, or diet and exercise, or maybe they need to be on medicine. ... Health care has gotten to the point where we all need to know about it.”
Then she gave disturbing statistics.
“Women, if they get heart disease, are more likely to die from it than men,” Bates said. “While the mortality rate for men is decreasing, the women’s rate is staying the same.”
Bates said the focus in the past has been on men’s health.
“Men are generally considered the main sufferers of heart disease. But in 2001, women made up 53 percent of all heart deaths.
“Most women aren’t aware of this,” she said. “We need to educate women, the public and health-care providers.”
Bates said three billboards are planned in Fairmont using the “Go Red for Women” theme.
“Women can wear red dresses or a red top and black bottom,” she said, to promote the “Go Red” activities.
Because of the American Heart Association’s nationwide movement that “celebrates the energy, passion and power,” women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thus the “Go Red for Women” movement started.
The movement gives women tips and information on healthy eating, exercise and risk-factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control and blood cholesterol management.
E-mail John Veasey at jcveasey@timeswv.com.
In Today's TWV
Related Photos
-
PHOTO BY DANNY SNYDER
February 3, 2007
‘Go Red for Women’ raises awareness
Heart disease No. 1 killer of U.S. women
- In Today's TWV
-
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
Osama bin Laden, the face of global terrorism and architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was killed in a firefight with elite American forces Monday, then quickly buried at sea in a stunning finale to a furtive decade on the run.
-
Construction around FSU
Construction matters were on the minds of the Fairmont State Board of Governors Thursday as they discussed projects to widen Locust Avenue and the continuing renovation of the historic Kennedy Barn.
First, a project to widen Locust Avenue to three lanes has been a priority for the state for several years. -
Goal: Redevelop site of former black Elks
City officials are hoping to solicit a buyer to redevelop the former site of the former black Elks building at the corner of Everest Drive and Cleveland Avenue.
Following the structure’s emergency demolition last weekend, city manager Jim Snider said the city is hoping someone will come forward to develop the site and recoup the city’s $72,000 demolition cost. -
Investigation continues into suspicious container, plastic jug that were blown up
Fairmont police detectives will continue their investigation into a suspicious can and jug that were blown up late Friday night by a State Police bomb squad, police said.
No one was injured, but the incident forced drivers to detour around Fairmont Avenue from Seventh to 10th streets while the area was secured and the containers were safely destroyed. -
Years of planning, work lead to new Baxter fire hall
In 1968, the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors for the first time.
The department had its humble beginnings in a small pole building near the ball field. Over the years, the firefighters made do with the small building, adding on as they could, according to Destry Jones, Baxter fire chief. -
AmberView participation rising
Fairview Middle School has a higher percentage of students enrolled in AmberView than any other school in the state, officials said Friday.
AmberView is an innovative program, developed in West Virginia, that assists law enforcement by quickly issuing an up-to-date digital picture of a missing or abducted child. AmberView officials have seen participation rise dramatically in the last year. -
Police investigate, detonate suspected bomb
West Side’s main thoroughfare was blocked for hours while police investigated and then detonated a suspected bomb Friday night.
Fairmont City Police responded to a report of a suspicious package Friday after a 911 call from a passerby. -
Student housing at FSU booming
While enrollment may be down at Fairmont State this year, student housing is booming.
The university’s board of governors received preliminary enrollment numbers at its meeting Thursday. -
Jay to speak at convention
U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, an early supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, will be a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month, a campaign aide said.
Rockefeller, 71, who is seeking a fifth-straight term in the Senate, will speak on Wednesday, Aug. 27, said Jessica Tice, his campaign press secretary. -
A strong ‘heartbeat’
“The chamber is the heartbeat of every community,” Gov. Joe Manchin told a crowd of approximately 375 people during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Annual Dinner.
Members of the business community gathered at Fairmont State University’s Falcon Center Thursday night for the event, which also serves as the chamber’s annual meeting. - More In Today's TWV Headlines
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
