Local News:
Survivors and Medical Professionals Struggle to Inform Women About Heart Disease
Fri, February 04, 2011
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Since 1963, February has been recognized by the federal government as American Heart Month. The annual proclamation has been a hefty boost for organizations and individuals trying to educate the public about cardiovascular disease.
But around a decade ago startling numbers came out. Despite efforts, only one in five women knew they were just as much at risk as men. Since then, major strides have been made but advocacy organizations, survivors and medical professionals still struggle to get the word out to women about heart disease.
Just shy of their busiest month of the year, the Wichita Chapter of the American Heart Association held their go red from women kick off event. The modest event room at Wesley Medical Center is full of red - red balloons, red couch and people wearing red.
Go Red for Women turns eight this year and has dramatically increased the number of women who know heart disease is their number one killer - according to the American Heart Assocation - up to around 50 percent from just 20 percent a decade ago.
Carolyn Thomas' Heart Sisters
Go Red For Women
Wichita Go Red for Women: (316) 265-4238
Funding for KMUW's Sound Mind & Body series is made possible, in part, by Via Christi Health.
