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Women Go Red Campaign Raises $235K in CNY for Cardiovascular Research

(c) John Smith, WAER.

Central New York women are being mindful of their health today and finding out about a condition that develops over time but often has dire consequences. 

This condition, heart disease, is the number one killer of women. Thursday, the American Heart Association held their 11th Annual Syracuse “Go Red For Women” Luncheon & Expo, in an attempt to, once again, raise awareness for the disease.  

About one in three women die of heart disease, a figure greater than the next four causes of death for women combined.  Ashley Bush is a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and she believes that, in many cases, women don’t recognize the subtle warning signs.

“The biggest one… there’s chest pain, any pain radiating to your jaw or back, down your arms… A lot of patients think it’s indigestion when really it’s their heart talking to them,”  Bush said.

Some of the main factors that can lead to heart disease are things such as smoking, obesity, eating a poor diet, and a lack of exercise. Sarah Mack, project manager with the American Heart Association, says some persistent triggers, such as consistently high stress, can also contribute to the disease over time.

Two women learn about one of the displays during the expo that took place at the seminar.

“Women have kids, they put on some weight. They are trying to balance work, social life, marriage… I think sometimes women may be more emotional eaters,” Mack said.

Mack also mentioned that heart attacks are especially prevalent in women age 40 and above; however, even younger women could be at risk if there is a history of heart disease in their family. The American Heart Association also announced that the campaign has successfully raised more than $235,000.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.