Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as in men. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable with lifestyle changes. 

The Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council planned a “Go Red for Heart Health” luncheon and educational program. The free luncheon was sponsored by eight community partners. The program included a nurse practitioner who has worked with many women with heart disease and our local state representative who provided updates on proposed state laws that will help improve health outcomes.  The 104 attendees learned their risks for heart disease, warning signs of heart attack and stroke and the heart-healthy lifestyle changes needed to prevent heart disease. A mini-health fair included educational information from community partners and EMS providing blood pressure screenings. 

After the program all participants completed a plan of action to include at least two beneficial lifestyle changes that they would make to help prevent heart disease. A follow-up survey completed two months later by 18 participants revealed that 89% had increased their physical activity; 78% had increased their daily servings of fruit and vegetables; 61% were eating healthier foods; 33% had reduced portion sizes of food; 61% were choosing drinks with less sugar; 39% were monitoring blood pressure and 39% were using new techniques to handle stress better. These women implemented smart choices to be good to their hearts.  One participant commented, “I love this Healthy Heart Program.  I always learn something new, and it reinforces what I learned in the past.”