Local VNA Members Ready To ‘Go Red’

By John Voket

Members of the Newtown VNA, and other agencies looking out for Newtowners’ heart health, are gearing up to “Go Red for Women” next week, while carrying the important messages related to women’s cardiovascular health to residents throughout the month of February.

Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts — everyday women are dying of heart disease at the rate of almost one per minute. But residents, as well as employees of local businesses, can show support for the fight against heart disease in women by simply wearing red. According to the American Heart Association, it is an easy, powerful way to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

National Wear Red Day is February 5. On that morning, the VNA members and supporters in Newtown will gather for an annual breakfast celebration at My Place Restaurant on Queen Street.

The event will feature Newtown resident and cardiologist Dr Harvey Kramer, who will speak on the subject of cardiac concerns especially for women.

Newtown VNA spokesperson Mae Schmidle told The Bee that she and other volunteers will also be circulating 1,000 lapel stickers reminding residents they meet about the February Heart Month and Go Red activities. And she reminds residents that there are plenty of red fashions, accessories, even “red ties for the gentlemen,” all available at the VNA Thrift Shop in the basement of Edmond Town Hall.

Supporters of the cause are organizing Wear Red Day events at their workplace, with their faith-based organization, at their community center, or even in their home.

The AHA also encourages supporters to speak up to help inspire friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members to show their support for the fight against heart disease.

In 2009, more than 5,000 companies showed their support for the Go Red For Women movement by conducting fundraising events where employees show their support of women and the fight against cardio-vascular disease.

All proceeds went to the American Heart Association to fund critical research needed to fight heart disease and stroke. And, the AHA reminds supporters that anyone can start a Wear Red Day initiative on any day of the year.

Individuals can also celebrate Wear Red Day by:

*Getting your coworkers to join you in wearing red to work

*Asking the man (or woman) in your life to wear something red

*Promoting healthy hearts with a heart-healthy meal for your friends and family

*Using the VNA’s Wear Red Day fundraising tool to reach out to friends and family and donating proceeds to Go Red For Women.

The threat of heart disease in women is real, but the American Heart Association believes this silent killer can be beaten with the kind of education and awareness that is promoted each year through Go Red initiatives here in Newtown, across the state, and throughout the nation.