03 Feb Telluride Med Center: Why Is Everyone Wearing Red Today?
Staff at the Telluride Regional Medical Center are wearing red today, as part of the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day, to build awareness for heart disease in women.
“Too many people consider heart disease a ‘man’s disease’ but this is simply not the case. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women,” said Bridget Taddonio, Wellness Counselor at the clinic.
Heart disease in women did garner some national attention last month when Carrie Fisher died at the age of 60, following a heart-related medical emergency, and was quickly followed in death by her 84-year-old mother, Debbie Reynolds, of an apparent stroke.
“We want to encourage women to take better care of themselves and to know their risk,” Taddonio said.
“In many circumstances, knowing your family history and the early warning signs of heart disease can mean the difference between life and a premature death.”
Bridget Taddonio, Wellness Counselor
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined. Additionally, 80% of heart and stroke related incidents can preventable with the adoption of a healthier lifestyle, but women are dying at a rate of one per minute often because they don’t recognize their symptoms or know when to seek emergency medical care.
“The answer isn’t to live in fear,” says Taddonio.
“The answer is to understand and educate yourself on your risk and mitigate any risk factors that are within your control, such as, practicing a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and speaking with your doctor about elevated cholesterol or blood pressure levels.”
MORE RESOURCES:
Understand your risk! Read more here and discuss with your primary care provider at your next regular visit!
Minimize your risk of heart disease! Read a complete list of lifestyle modifications you can make to minimize your risk of heart disease.
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