“Go Red” Luncheon Raises Awareness of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a devastating threat to women in the United States, claiming the lives of a staggering 314,186 women in 2020 alone – accounting for one out of every four female deaths.
On Wednesday, the Local 1487 Women’s Committee of Chicago hosted a landmark event to raise awareness of the impact of heart disease on women. The “Go Red” luncheon brought together a diverse group of reservations, customer and fleet service agents, and other airline workers dressed in their best red attire. The women shared deeply moving personal stories of their encounters with cardiovascular disease and learned how to attain CPR certification. Attendees were also treated to a mime flag tribute dance performed by Christine Byrd and Charlene Allen. A red wine-tasting table was sponsored by Coopers Hawk, a notable local winery and restaurant in the Chicago area. And a range of heart-healthy food options was on offer.
April Walker, one of the lead organizers helping to put the event together, reminded the gathering to “Remember your numbers!” before a raffle drawing. “Not just your raffle numbers!” she said to laughter.
Over healthy and delicious food options, the women learned about the symptoms of heart disease and the steps they can take to protect themselves. The atmosphere was boisterous and cheerful, as the women were empowered with the knowledge and inspiration to take charge of their health and wellness.
The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of all women, 44%, live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, most women remain unaware of the dangers of heart disease and the gender-specific risks created by life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the lack of understanding surrounding heart disease in women can be attributed to a significant gap in research and outreach. Much of the literature and outreach efforts regarding heart disease are geared toward men, leaving women underrepresented and their specific needs ignored.
Data released by the AHA shows that nearly 70% of postgraduate medical students report minimal to no training on gender-specific medical treatment. Only 42% of cardiologists feel adequately prepared to assess cardiovascular issues specific to women.
This lack of representation can have devastating consequences. Candice Schafer, Senior Development Director of Chicago’s Go Red for Women, explains that heart disease presents differently in women than in men. “A lot of women are turned away from hospitals when they are actually in cardiac distress,” she says. “In women, a heart attack presents very differently. It shows up as fatigue or sometimes a headache.” These symptoms can go on for days, making it essential for doctors to recognize the signs of cardiac distress in women.
However, there is cause for optimism. According to Shaeffer, 80% of cardiac health can be improved through lifestyle choices. By raising awareness and improving the representation of women in research and outreach efforts, women can take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.
“The disparity in representation and understanding of heart disease in women is a significant issue that needs to be addressed,” said Shaeffer. “Through increased awareness and better representation in research and outreach efforts, women can take charge of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.”
Related News
Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Two Machinists Union members have successfully completed the bachelor’s degree program in Labor Studies through the IAM’s partnership with the State University of New York’s Empire State College (ESC). Many thanks to the Machinists...
Machinists Strength on Display for Transportation Workers
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives as a country and a union have adjusted on the fly to a new way of living. Each day seems to bring a new experience as we’ve grown accustomed to having the unpredictable be the norm....
141 Report: Local 1886 Golf, Smoke, BBQ Events Support GDA
After a one-year hiatus, Local 1886 held their 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines on June 25. Golfers were eager to sign up, and the event sold out in 6 weeks. Dave welcomes back John Martinez, President of Local...
Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union
“Go Red” Luncheon Raises Awareness of Heart Disease
February 8, 2023
Heart disease is a devastating threat to women in the United States, claiming the lives of a staggering 314,186 women in 2020 alone – accounting for one out of every four female deaths.
On Wednesday, the Local 1487 Women’s Committee of Chicago hosted a landmark event to raise awareness of the impact of heart disease on women. The “Go Red” luncheon brought together a diverse group of reservations, customer and fleet service agents, and other airline workers dressed in their best red attire. The women shared deeply moving personal stories of their encounters with cardiovascular disease and learned how to attain CPR certification. Attendees were also treated to a mime flag tribute dance performed by Christine Byrd and Charlene Allen. A red wine-tasting table was sponsored by Coopers Hawk, a notable local winery and restaurant in the Chicago area. And a range of heart-healthy food options was on offer.
April Walker, one of the lead organizers helping to put the event together, reminded the gathering to “Remember your numbers!” before a raffle drawing. “Not just your raffle numbers!” she said to laughter.
Over healthy and delicious food options, the women learned about the symptoms of heart disease and the steps they can take to protect themselves. The atmosphere was boisterous and cheerful, as the women were empowered with the knowledge and inspiration to take charge of their health and wellness.
The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of all women, 44%, live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, most women remain unaware of the dangers of heart disease and the gender-specific risks created by life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the lack of understanding surrounding heart disease in women can be attributed to a significant gap in research and outreach. Much of the literature and outreach efforts regarding heart disease are geared toward men, leaving women underrepresented and their specific needs ignored.
Data released by the AHA shows that nearly 70% of postgraduate medical students report minimal to no training on gender-specific medical treatment. Only 42% of cardiologists feel adequately prepared to assess cardiovascular issues specific to women.
This lack of representation can have devastating consequences. Candice Schafer, Senior Development Director of Chicago’s Go Red for Women, explains that heart disease presents differently in women than in men. “A lot of women are turned away from hospitals when they are actually in cardiac distress,” she says. “In women, a heart attack presents very differently. It shows up as fatigue or sometimes a headache.” These symptoms can go on for days, making it essential for doctors to recognize the signs of cardiac distress in women.
However, there is cause for optimism. According to Shaeffer, 80% of cardiac health can be improved through lifestyle choices. By raising awareness and improving the representation of women in research and outreach efforts, women can take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.
“The disparity in representation and understanding of heart disease in women is a significant issue that needs to be addressed,” said Shaeffer. “Through increased awareness and better representation in research and outreach efforts, women can take charge of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.”
Related
Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Two Machinists Union members have successfully completed the bachelor’s degree program in Labor Studies through the IAM’s partnership with the State University of New York’s Empire State College (ESC). Many thanks to the Machinists...
Machinists Strength on Display for Transportation Workers
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives as a country and a union have adjusted on the fly to a new way of living. Each day seems to bring a new experience as we’ve grown accustomed to having the unpredictable be the norm....
141 Report: Local 1886 Golf, Smoke, BBQ Events Support GDA
After a one-year hiatus, Local 1886 held their 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines on June 25. Golfers were eager to sign up, and the event sold out in 6 weeks. Dave welcomes back John Martinez, President of Local...