KINGSPORT – Inspiring women to be proactive about their heart health, the Go Red For Women movement in the Tri-Cities and a group of female ambassadors have raised in excess of $100,000 so far this year to improve the lives of people afflicted with heart disease.
The recent Go Red For Women luncheon infused energy for the cause of women's heart health with poignant remarks from keynote speaker Joan Lunden, a former longtime co-hostess of "Go Morning America." Her comments, coupled with informative breakout sessions, gave women important tools to recognize their risks for heart disease and take charge of their health in all aspects of their lives.
Helping make Go Red For Women a raging success was The Circle of Red, a group of women ambassadors who raised funds for the cause. These women, who were the stars of the luncheon, served as impressive role models by not only understanding their risks for heart disease but also by hosting events that generated funds that could be used to preserve the lives of women in this region.
Earlier this year, men, women, boys and girls who participated in Wear Red Day and Churches Go Red delivered a powerful message that mothers, daughters, sisters and wives are indispensable to those who love them.
"The luncheon and all other Go Red programs have been essential in spreading a culture of wellness for women," said Dr. Freddie Williams, a cardiologist with the Wellmont CVA Heart Institute and physician champion for the local movement. "It is impressive that so many women realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and take steps to minimize their risk.
"They understand, or have come to learn through Go Red, that heart disease is largely preventable if they adhere to basic tenets of good health, such as eating right, exercising and not smoking."
Go Red is a national initiative of the American Heart Association. The heart institute and News 5 WCYB serve as sponsors in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Betsy Prewitt Holleman, regional account director for the American Heart Association, said the Go Red campaign this year has raised more than $100,000 for the national organization.
"So many women and those who love them have embraced Go Red in the Tri-Cities," Holleman said. "This support is necessary because women need to know that it is not just men who have heart attacks. Women tend to have more subtle symptoms of a heart attack and are more prone to ignore these signs because they feel they have to take care of others first."
Lunden impressively drove home these facts during her speech at the luncheon before about 400 people at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. Beforehand, attendees learned valuable information at the following breakout sessions.
- "Light and Healthy in a Hurry" by Chef Larry Barbeau of Food City
- "A Heart to Heart: What Every Woman Should Know" by Dr. Williams
- "Exercise: The Heart of the Matter" and "HEARTy Choices" by Wellmont Health Promotions
- "Financial Peace of Mind – It's Good for Your Heart, Too" by Integrity Capital Management
Regions sponsored a silent auction, and Foto Montage photography performed a red carpet photo shoot.
