NJ First Lady Marks 'Go Red' For Women's Health

Marking the 10th anniversary of National Go Red Month, New Jersey's First Lady Mary Pat Christie has announced that Drumthwacket, the Governor’s official residence, is lit red throughout the month of February, to spotlight the issue of women’s heart health. While heart disease and heart attacks are usually associated with men, the fact is more women die of cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer combined.

“Heart disease touches each of us in some way,” said Mrs. Christie. “That’s why it’s vitally important to take a moment to learn the risk factors and take action to protect our personal heart health as well as the cardiovascular health of our loved ones. Awareness is the most powerful tool we can use in dispelling the myths of heart disease in women, reducing risk factors, and most importantly, saving lives.”

Since 2004, the National Go Red initiative has made tremendous strides in heart disease prevention and awareness:

· 34 % fewer women die from heart disease each year;

· 330 fewer women lose their lives each day;

· 23% more women recognize heart disease as their number one health threat; and

· 627,000 plus women’s lives have been saved over the past ten years

“Forty three million women live with heart disease every day. Let’s support our relatives, friends and co-workers by wearing red this Friday or show your spirit by joining the America Goes Red Challenge and share your “Go Red” photos at http://wearredday.goredforwomen.org/,” added Mrs. Christie

For more information on heart disease in women or the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women, visit www.goredforwomen.org.