Michigan Legislators Introduce Resolution Asking Women to Take Heed of their Number One Killer--heart disease

PRESS CONFERENCE WED. JAN 23 at 11 am CAPITOL ROTUNDA

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heart disease remains the number one killer of women killing approximately one woman every minute. In an effort to bring awareness to Michigan residents, Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, D-Huntington Woods and the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement have teamed up to introduce a resolution in the state Senate and House.  A press conference slated for Jan. 23^rd at 11 a.m. will educate women about their risk factors for heart disease and how they can support the movement to save lives. 

"Heart disease can no longer be perceived as an 'older man's disease,'" said Schuitmaker, R-Lawton.  "As a result of Go Red For Women, more than 627,000 women's lives have been saved, but the fight is far from over.   It is critical we stand together united to continue fighting for change and show the power of red," she added. 

The American Heart Association and its volunteers work every day with legislatures in fighting cardiovascular diseases. The work is aimed at helping those who are at risk as well as improving the lives of Americans suffering from heart disease and stroke.  Ultimately, the goal is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

"It is an honor to stand with my fellow legislators and raise awareness about an issue that affects so many Michigan women," said Lipton, D-Huntington Woods. "Heart disease is an issue that touches all of us. But, women can take an active role in addressing this issue by adopting healthy lifestyles and advocating support for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease and stroke."

"By working with our government, we can bring wide-spread awareness to the No. 1 killer of women," said Sarah Poole, American Heart Association Government Relations director of Michigan. "This is a great opportunity for the Association to work with Sen. Schuitmaker, Rep. Lipton and all government officials to encourage women to put their health first."

An estimated eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

"We want women to join the fight against heart disease because it is often silent, hidden and misunderstood," said Poole. "About 41 Michigan women die every day due to heart disease, while an estimated 43 million women in the U.S. are affected. It's time for women to stand together in the fight for their lives." 

The press conference, celebrating 10 years of fighting heart disease, features Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, D-Huntington Woods and survivor speakers statue, who will share their powerful stories of survival. The Association's Go Red For Women dress, often referred to as "Lucy," will be available for photos.

Legislators will receive the Go Red dress pin and information on how to fight women's heart disease here in Michigan.

About Go Red For Women
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement, created by women, for women, dedicated to uncovering the truth about women and heart disease: heart disease can kill you or a woman you love.  With more women dying of cardiovascular disease than the next three causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premier source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc, with additional support from our cause sponsors.

SOURCE American Heart Association