Join the Fight Against Heart Disease in Women at ‘Valpo Goes Red’ Event on Wednesday, February 3, at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso will join the fight against heart disease in women at the Valpo Goes Red event on Wednesday, February 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union Ballroom. The event, part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, will feature a heart-healthy breakfast, a keynote address from a heart disease survivor and an appearance from Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, who will declare Friday, February 5th “Go Red for Women Day” in Valparaiso—joining the nation as it turns red on national Go Red for Women day, just two days after the breakfast. Tickets for the event are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 219-996-4958 or visiting www.valpo.edu/valpogoesred.

Veronica Heckler, First Lady of Valparaiso University has been an advocate for the American Heart Association for years. “I have lost family members from heart disease, so I support the work of AHA because it is so near and dear to my heart”, Mrs. Heckler said.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country – in fact, heart disease kills more people than the next five causes of death combined. Deanna Gallardo, a Valparaiso heart disease survivor, explains, “Heart disease impacts women at any age: I was 42 years old when I had my heart valve repaired.”

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s campaign to save women’s lives. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Christian Hanna, the Executive Valpo Goes Red chairwoman and registered nurse, understands the impact not only on the patient but also on the family. She said, “It profoundly affects the entire family because it is such frightening thing to have to go through. More women can eliminate the chance of having a heart attack if they would embrace the Go Red for Women message!”

GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck, and locally by ArcelorMittal, Methodist Hospitals and Sisters of St. Francis Health Services.

About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006-07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.