Charleston Women Summer 2020

www.CharlestonBrides.com | www.ChsWomenInBusiness.com | www.ReadCWomen.com 14 - CW B roadly speaking, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign is about empowering women to commit to their own heart health and monitor the heart health of loved ones. Yet, it encompasses much more than that. “As the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red For Women increases women’s heart health awareness and serves as a catalyst for change to improve women’s lives globally,” said AHA Charleston executive director Katie Schumacher. “For almost a decade, we have worked with local survivors, first responders and caregivers, who have committed to our cause and acted as our ambassadors,” said Schumacher. “These ambassadors share their stories with the community to help us make a difference in being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” Having ambassadors create awareness is key because heart disease impacts everyone, especially women, noted Schumacher. Cardiovascular disease is the number-one killer of women, affecting one woman every 80 seconds — but nearly 80% is preventable. “That’s why it’s so important for women in our community to know their numbers and talk to their doctor,” advised Schumacher. “Know your total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar; know your family history; make smart eating choices; and walk 30 minutes a day.” Stroke survivor and local ambassador Judy Tarleton said that Go Red fosters awareness and disseminates information about making healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise, diet and regular doctor visits. “The information Go Red for Women offers is helping to make everyone more aware that both women and men have heart issues, and the symptoms can be very different,” remarked Tarleton, founding partner and broker-in-charge of Carriage Properties. Men and women can exhibit some similar heart attack BY COLIN MCCANDLESS Be Well “Red ” American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women