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Go Red For Women Virtual Event Raises $$, Awareness
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The 2020 edition of Go Red for Women was a virtual event, raising money and awareness about heart health and featuring guest speakers, helpful tips and networking opportunities. Photo Contributed

Recently, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, held its 2020 Modesto Go Red for Women luncheon as a virtual event to support the fight to end heart disease and stroke in women. This year’s event reached its day of event goal and raised more than $30,000 to continue to support women’s heart health. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat. Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of one in three women in the United States.

The annual signature event was hosted June 23 as a virtual gathering, to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees wore their favorite red outfit and joined other Go Red for Women supporters online. The event featured inspiring survivor stories and informative speakers.

Keynote speaker was Sutter Health Neurophysiologist Yafa Minazad, MD who discussed how women can reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Sutter Health Gould Medical Group Endocrinologist Wen Han, MD presented on why it is critical women take care of their vascular system and how to fit in exercise, especially during uncertain times.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by the Sutter Health Heart & Vascular Institute. The Go Red for Women virtual event, chaired by Norik Naraghi, General Counsel for Naraghi Farms, was designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women. In fact, the Association is fast-tracking a special $2.5 million fund for rapid response scientific research projects to investigate the specific cardiovascular implications of coronavirus, investing in short-term projects that can turn around results quickly - within nine to 12 months.

“It is imperative that women put their heart health first during the COVID-19 crisis. Nearly 45 percent of women age 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and may be at an increased risk for experiencing worse complications from the coronavirus,” said Chair Norik Naraghi. “I am proud to support a movement that can adapt and continue to support women’s heart health in the face of new threats.”

Go Red for Women launched in 2004 to empower women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading killer and is on the rise in younger women. To protect their health, women should understand family health history, know their numbers – the five key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index – and make lifestyle changes like moving more, eating smart and managing their blood pressure. Risk factors within women’s control include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity/overweight and type 2.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, it funds innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources.

For 16 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere.