Building a Future with Heart

Once January rolls around, Fort Worth is draped in red. Love seems to be just a little more possible, and hearts are on everyone’s mind.

While most people are thinking about Valentine’s Day and how to make their loved ones’ hearts flutter with gestures and gifts, my colleagues and I at the American Heart Association are thinking about how to keep women’s hearts healthy. We are striving to build a future without cardiovascular disease.

I joined the American Heart Association last year as the executive director of the Tarrant County Division because the mission of the American Heart Association hits close to home. My mother suffered from four small strokes and two heart attacks. She eventually had a stent placed in an artery. I have seen the impact heart disease and stroke have on our community.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.

We can change that. Take small steps toward bettering your health. Become aware. Know your key personal health numbers and family history. Lower your risk of developing heart disease by moving more, eating more wisely, and controlling your blood pressure. And encourage your family and friends to do the same.

2022 marks the 18th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s launch of the Go Red for Women® movement nationwide. Go Red for Women® has had a profound impact on women’s health in the United States. As the trusted, passionate, and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke through the Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women — at every life stage.

The Go Red for Women® campaign is rooted in raising awareness among women that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women around the world. For centuries, heart disease was thought to affect only older men; this simply isn’t true. Heart disease is equal opportunity; it doesn’t discriminate because of a person’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or tax bracket.

Here in Tarrant County, we can build a heart healthy future. National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 4, and I encourage you to ‘wear red and give’ in support of women’s heart health. On Thursday, February 10, join us for the 2022 Tarrant County Go Red for Women® Luncheon to learn how to take action and take control of your heart health.

During the luncheon, attendees will learn healthy living strategies to reduce their personal risk for cardiovascular disease, hear inspiring stories of the impact that Go Red for Women® has in our communities, bid on auction items, and help support the mission of the American Heart Association. Go Red for Women® is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Tarrant County luncheon is locally sponsored by Texas Health Resources.

We have some amazing changemakers joining us at this year’s luncheon as a part of our Woman of Impact campaign. This select group of individuals are nominated for the program because of their passion to drive local change in our communities. Together, these women are advancing the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force to help us live longer, healthier lives.

This February, prioritize your heart health to build a healthier future. It’s not just about wearing red. It’s not just about sharing heart-health facts. It’s about all women standing together with Go Red for Women® to change our future.

One in three women die from cardiovascular diseases and losing even one woman is too many.

Emile Blaine is the Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Fort Worth/Tarrant County.