NJ Women Take a Stand Against their No. 1 Killer: Heart Disease

New Jersey — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the 2021 Northern NJ Go Red for Women Luncheon will be a digital experience! This premier event will be held on May 11, 2021 and is designed to raise awareness of the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s launch of the Go Red for Women Movement nationwide. The campaign is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by Ocean Healthcare, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Cocca & Cutinello, LLP and media sponsor, News12 NJ.

With the evolving impact of coronavirus in communities across the country, many women are facing new challenges keeping them from their day-to-day activities. The Go Red for Women® Luncheons nationwide moved digital to support women where they are and continue to spotlight the lifesaving work of the Association and the Go Red for Women movement. These signature events will be held as a virtual gathering, to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and families during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat. One in three women live with some form of cardiovascular disease and it is on the rise in younger women[1]. To prevent cardiovascular disease, women should understand family health history, know their numbers, and make lifestyle changes like moving more, eating smart and managing their blood pressure. Risk factors that are within women’s control include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity/overweight and diabetes.

The Northern NJ Go Red for Women campaign is chaired by Lisa Olender, Vice President of Business Development at Ocean Healthcare.

“I am honored to chair the 2021 Northern NJ Go Red for women campaign because I have seen first-hand the effects heart disease and stroke have had on my loved ones. I believe we need to live life to its fullest every day and without having our hearts healthy, we cannot achieve that. Let us make the commitment now to live fierce and protect our hearts because losing just one woman, is one too many”, said Olender.

New findings from an American Heart Association special report published in September 2020 analyzing 10-year trends in women’s awareness, show critical gaps in awareness among younger women. The trend is prevalent in women ages 25-34 and Black and Hispanics of all ages. There is an urgent need for public health organizations, government, health care professionals and community organizations to join forces and provide solutions to improve awareness, especially among young women and Black and Hispanic women.

Women continue to be disproportionally affected by cardiovascular diseases and underrepresented in clinical trials which is the lifesaving research needed to better treat heart attacks and strokes. There is considerably more understanding of the biological differences between men and women including disease progression and treatment response. While strides have been made to close gender and racial disparities in research and within the health care system, women continue to be underrepresented and overlooked in the U.S. and globally. To combat this, the American Heart Association and Verily’s Project Baseline launched Research Goes RedTM to encourage women to sign up and participate in clinical trials.

To register for the Northern NJ Go Red for Women Luncheon, visit nnjgored.heart.org and join our Facebook event page.

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About Go Red for Women®

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 17 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out

heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

[1] Arora S, Stouffer GA, Kucharska-Newton AM, et al. Circulation. 2019;139:1047–1056. Twenty Year Trends and Sex Differences in Young Adults Hospitalized with Acute Myocardial Infarction: The ARIC Community Surveillance Study. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCUL... Published Feb. 19, 2019.