American Heart Association, HI Division, Kicks Off Heart Month with Go Red for Women Event on Feb. 4 | Health

“Survivors” Fashion Show, Health Fair and CPR Session Shares Information About the #1 Killer of Women
 
The American Heart Association, Hawaii Division, kicks off February’s Heart Month with a Go Red For Women fashion show, featuring local heart disease and stroke survivors, each with his or her own personal story; a health fair; and hands-on CPR session on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Ala Moana Center’s Centerstage. Designed to give women the hard facts about heart disease and inspire them to take steps to fight this number one killer of women, the event is co-sponsored by Macy’s and is presented by Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA).
 
“More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. We can stop this number one killer together by sharing the truth,” said Dr. John Henry Felix, president and CEO, HMAA. “About eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six believes this is her greatest health threat. We’re kicking off Heart Month with this Go Red For Women health fair to uncover the truth about heart disease and defeat it.”
 
The health fair runs from noon to 3:00 p.m. and includes the following events:

- Heart Disease and Stroke Survivor Fashion Show, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Fashion show models will feature local participants, each of whom have survived some form of heart disease (e.g., heart attack, stroke, heart defect) and are now living healthy active lives and are advocates for heart health. Participants include:  
    - Chris McLachlin, television analyst and former longtime Punahou School coach and administrator
    - Christian Popp, two-year-old survivor of a heart defect & his father Curtis Popp
    - Pam Hirata, survivor of three sudden cardiac arrests during a routine surgery
    - Dr. John Henry Felix, survivor and active advocate with AHA, Hawaii Division
    - Chris Lee, survivor and active advocate with AHA, Hawaii Division
    - Misty Togikawa, survivor and active advocate with AHA, Hawaii Division

- Hands-on CPR session, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
The first 100 people who participate in the awareness training at event (one per family while supply lasts; required to take awareness training at event) will be given a free CPR-Anytime Friends and Family kit to take home and teach their loved ones this important lifesaving skill. Kit includes a personal practice manikin (with replacement lung), instructional DVD and reminder card
 
- Guest Speakers include:                                    
    - Cardiologist Joana Magno, M.D.
    - Dr. John Henry Felix

- Health Fair Presenters include:
    - AED Institute of America, Inc.
    - American Heart Association
    - American Medical Response
    - HMAA
    - Hawaii Pacific Health
    - Kuakini Medical Center
    - The Queen’s Medical Center
 
Ninety percent of women have one or more risks for developing heart disease, with the disease taking the life of one woman every minute, which is why the AHA encourages women to learn the facts:

- Be aware of the common symptoms for women, which include pain in the jaw, arm or back; unfortunately, most women delay seeking treatment anywhere from 15 minutes to two weeks after symptoms begin.

- Learn your personal risk of heart disease including family history and cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels – and make simple lifestyle changes that can save your life.

- Fight heart disease by joining the Go Red BetterU, a free online program with 12 weeks of fitness and nutrition tips.

For more information visit: GoRedForWomen.org.

Join the Wear Red Day Challenge spotlighting the nation’s most spirited supporters. Go to Facebook.com/GoRed for details about the challenge and the 13 Wear Red Day award categories.
 

About the American Heart Association  
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.