Detroit — The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit hosted the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” luncheon event which raises awareness about heart disease.
Because heart disease is the single biggest threat to women, it is the number one killer. Many women are not even aware of how high their risk is. We need to help them identify and educate them on prevention.
Heart attack warning signs are not only chest discomfort, but discomfort in other areas such as both arms, back, neck, jaw and stomach. Shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea and light headedness are also symptoms.
Exercise will help. It can reduce your risk, decrease blood pressure, increase HDL (good cholesterol), controls blood sugar, relieves stress and increases energy. Some say exercise can increase brain power, and that’s a good thing too. Remember, ladies, taking care of your heart health should be your number one priority.
Ashley Baracy, from WDIV, was the emcee for the afternoon and says cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in women. “It claims more lives than all cancers combined.”
Next up was Kim Montague, 2025 Chair for Go Red for Women and President & CEO of Albert Kahn Associates. “Cardiovascular disease is the number killer in women. It does not discriminate nor is it a one size fits all issue. Women are stressed with family and work. Our health is rarely at the top of our list. It can be difficult to navigate but it doesn’t have to be. It’s no secret that women have been under represented and under treated. Many women feel unseen or abandoned by the system.
“But there is one thing we can count on, women motivate, educate and inspire each other. I was four years old when my grandmother passed away. My husband had a stroke two years ago. It was a huge wake-up call to take care of my own heart. Heart disease runs in my family,” added Montague. “Lastly, I will be returning as chair for 2026.”
Also, at the luncheon was a live auction. Tom Riles was the auctioneer. Package number one consisted of a red Coach bag, one night stay the the Kingsley Inn and tea for two at the Whitney. The ladies held up their red heart paddles and it went for $1,100.00. The second package was an in-home wine tasting for up to 18 people. Two women each donated $1,000 for this package. These were some of the packages up for auction, along with monetary donations.
Next we heard a survivor’s story from Kyle Astrein Driver which, in the end she learned to be her own health advocate. “CPR is the reason I’m here. I got a second change at life. Forty-seven minutes of lifesaving CPR did it.” She is forever grateful.
For more information about the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, visit: https://www.goredforwomen.org.
— all photos by Jerome Rzucidlo / AmericaJR
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