Seeing Red: Go Red for Women luncheon

There was a literal heart-to-heart talk at the Go Red for Women luncheon.

The goal of the annual American Heart Association event is to raise awareness about heart disease in women. It also helped build momentum for National Wear Red Day on Feb. 4, when women across the country will wear shades of scarlet as a display of solidarity.

Women have cause to band together against the disease because the statistics are daunting. According to the Center for Disease Control, an average of 14 women die of heart disease every day in Minnesota.

However, cardiologist Dr. Sharonne Hayes of Mayo Clinic offered a proactive message. "We can move from awareness to action and, hopefully, advocacy," she said.

Hayes encouraged attendees to do things that would promote medical knowledge, such as volunteer for clinical trials, and to reach out to one another.

"Tell your neighbor to have her heart checked or go for a walk together every day," she said.

That's a small step toward preventing a broken heart.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177