ATLANTA (February 3, 2011) – Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) is encouraging everyone to Go Red for Women today to highlight the dangers of heart disease in women. Today marks National Wear Red Day at the State Capitol, and is part of February’s American Heart Month sponsored annually by the American Heart Association (AHA).
“Heart disease is the leading threat to women’s health today, and I’m honored to help continue the annual tradition of wearing red to educate women on this issue,” said Seay. “Each year, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of almost 421,000 American women. I encourage every woman to learn about their risk for heart disease. As an advocate of women’s health care issues, I’m proud to see our Senate participate in this important day of advocacy and education.”
More women die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases than the next four leading causes of death combined, including cancer. However, only 16 percent of women surveyed in 2009 consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk.
As a heart attack survivor, Seay has a very personal connection to this cause and has worked diligently over the years to increase awareness of women’s risk. Since her election in 2003, Seay has championed Go Red for Women Day in the Senate and encouraged her colleagues to wear red in support of raising awareness of women’s heart disease.
The AHA’s Go Red for Women offers a free risk assessment and tips for a healthy life at www.goredforwomen.org. Since 2003, the AHA has spread women’s awareness of heart disease through the iconic red dress symbol and through a day of wearing red across the nation. The organization aims to bridge the gap in heart disease research between women and men and hopes to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent in 2020.
Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She can be reached at her office at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 1, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028