ATLANTA (Feb 5, 2010) – 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 that is sponsored annually by the American Heart Association.
“As an advocate of women’s health care issues, I fully support the American Heart Association’s efforts to shed light on this devastating disease,” said Sen. Seay. “Many women are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death for our gender in the United States. I’m honored to wear red today in support of raising women’s awareness of how to protect themselves from this disease.”
Sen. Seay has asked fellow senators to show their support for this cause by wearing red today. She also joined her female colleagues in the Senate to pass a resolution that recognizes the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke in Georgia and around the country. Each year, more than 460,000 women in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease. Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems account for more female deaths than the next five leading causes of death combined.
This statistic comes in stark contrast to the fact that only 21 percent of women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk. It is estimated that over $500 billion was spent in the U.S. on cardiovascular disease in 2008 alone.
As a survivor of a heart attack, Sen. Seay has a very personal connection to this cause and has worked diligently over the years to increase awareness of women’s risk. “I strongly encourage every woman to learn about their personal risk for heart disease. Talk to your doctor, and use the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Heart CheckUp, which provides a free risk assessment. You can save your life just by taking advantage of these few simple steps.”
To access the Heart Checkup, visit the AHA’s website at www.goredforwomen.org.
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:
February 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028