Raising awareness of heart disease

There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by taking care of one’s heart – literally.

The American Heart Association’s Annual NWLA for Women Luncheon will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center on Feb. 14.

Heart disease remains the number one killer of women. This annual luncheon seeks to raise awareness and funds for this “silent killer.”

Pamela Barker, Go Red Luncheon Chair 2019 and long-time volunteer, is looking forward to the event. “We are most looking to provide awareness of the issues related to heart disease among women and men,” Barker said. “We lose a woman every minute to heart disease and stroke. One in three women will die of heart disease.”

Eighty percent of heart disease and stroke events could have been prevented through education and lifestyle changes. “This special heart luncheon features activities, screening and information aimed to educate both men and women on cardiovascular disease, risk factors and healthy lifestyles,” Barker said.

From 12-6 p.m. on Feb. 14, there will be pre-event viewing and bidding for silent auction items. At 12:15 p.m., the heart-healthy lunch will be served, during which First Lady Donna Edwards will provide a motivational address.

At 10 a.m. on Feb. 15, there will be free health screenings offered for all (be sure to fast from midnight the night before for accurate results), along with a jewelry pull. Tickets for the jewelry pull may be purchased during registration.

This year at the luncheon, the AHA will recognize and celebrate survivors and their unique, heart-touching stories.

“All the dollars that are raised through our campaign will remain local to provide education and fund research right here at LSU Health Shreveport,” Barker said.

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women is a comprehensive movement to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. The AHA would also like to encourage men to grow awareness on behalf of their loved ones and help them make changes in their lives.

The Go Red for Women luncheon is an annual movement that inspires and motivates women to take charge of their heart health so they can live longer, healthier lives. “We encourage men to join the movement in taking charge of their heart health and join as men go red,” Barker said. “Be sure to wear red to celebrate life!” Local sponsors include CHRISTUS Health, Capital One Bank, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Louisiana, Dr. Peggy Murphy, Willis Knighton Hospital, CHRISTUS Physicians Group, AFS Logistics.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women ® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. For 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere.

Connect on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).

Tickets for the NWLA Go Red for Women luncheon program are $100 payable in advance. For reserved seating, sponsor a personalized table. Jewelry Pull tickets: $50 at registration. To purchase tickets and for more information, please call 318-230-6956 or 225-666-4293.

– Betsy St. Amant Haddox