“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.”
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“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
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Owner of US Guys Processing, Darin Wilbur. Wilbur was found guilty in a criminal case of child endangerment at his business which resulted in a teenager losing his right hand in a meat grinder. He was fined $500 plus costs for the violations. On August 8, 55-year-old...
Summer Storms and Short-Staffing Cause Massive Travel Disruptions
On Monday, storms impacting the East Coast, stretching from Tennessee to New York, led to nearly 9,000 flights being delayed and an additional 1,768 cancellations across the U.S., as reported by FlightAware. A significant portion of these disruptions took place at...
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By now, everyone in the airline industry knows about the "That MF's Not Real" Incident that happened on a 2 July American Airlines flight headed to Orlando from Fort Worth. The Dallas Airport Police have now made public the report filed after the meltdown, revealing...