The annual Go Red for Women event in Omaha brought out hundreds of volunteers, advocates, survivors and families to raise money and awareness for the number women killer of women - heart disease. But for one family, it brought out memories, images and even the voice of someone who was lost to heart disease. Jamie Ruud died of a heart attack at age 52. Her husband and 3 grown children hope that through sharing the story of their loss, this kind of tragedy won't happen to another family.
CLICK HERE for inspirational story. CLICK HERE for photo images from the September 30th event.
Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.
In the past, heart disease and heart attack have been predominantly associated with men. Historically, men have been the subjects of the research done to understand heart disease and stroke, which has been the basis for treatment guidelines and programs. This led to an oversimplified, distorted view of heart disease and risk, which has worked to the detriment of women.
Because women have been largely ignored as a specific group, their awareness of their risk of this often-preventable disease has suffered. Only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their No. 1 killer and less than half know what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.
Funds raised through events such as Go Red for Women, are used to fund research, raise awareness for the number one killer, and to support advocacy efforts throughout Nebraska. Our advocacy efforts have helped to improve cardiovascular health by supporting clean indoor air laws, ensure newborns are screened for congenital heart defects, support life-saving research and improve systems of care.
To donate to the Go Red for Women event, CLICK HERE.
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