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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2013
CONTACT: Jennifer Miller, (608)
266-1683
WISCONSIN WOMEN ENCOURAGED TO LEARN HEART HEALTH FACTS ON “WEAR RED DAY”
TODAY
February is American Heart Month
MADISON—Women are encouraged to learn about their heart health risks as
First Lady Tonette Walker and state health officials today mark the 10th
anniversary of “Wear Red Day,” an American Heart Association (AHA) event
to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke risks among women.
“Wearing red today helps raise awareness and educate our families,
friends and neighbors about the dangers of heart disease,” said First
Lady Tonette Walker. “Together, we can make a difference for the women
in our lives.”
Like men, women’s most common symptom for heart attack is chest pain,
however, women are also likely to experience other common symptoms,
particularly shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw
pain. Women should not ignore these symptoms or drive to the hospital if
they experience these symptoms, but should instead call an ambulance.
Educating family members about women’s unique heart attack symptoms is
also encouraged.
“Talking with your health care provider to learn your risk factors,
and the steps you can take to reduce them, is the best way to protect
yourself from these life-threatening conditions,” said Dr. Henry
Anderson, State Health Officer.
Risks for heart disease include high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, smoking, diabetes and being overweight or obese. Taking small
prevention steps can have a big impact, Anderson noted. Key heart
disease and stroke prevention steps include:
- Getting regular blood pressure and cholesterol readings.
- Quitting smoking; help is available through the Wisconsin Quit
Line, 1-800-QUIT NOW.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Taking medications as prescribed.
For more information about heart disease and stroke prevention:
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/Health/cardiovascular/.
For information about Wear Red Day:
www.GoRedForWomen.org.
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Last Revised:
April 18, 2013
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