VSU Hosts Heart Disease Prevention Events

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University Campus Wellness and the Local American Heart Association are sponsoring events throughout February for the "Go Red for Women" campaign, a national movement founded by the American Heart Association to fight back against the No. 1 killer of American women.

From Tuesday, February 3 to Friday, February 6, Campus Dining is offering heart-healthy options at Palms Dining Facility. Look for a red heart symbols used to identify the low-fat, low-sodium options.

Friday, February 6, is Wear Red Day at VSU. Faculty, staff and students are urged to wear red in support of heart disease prevention efforts and make a $5 donation to the American Heart Association. Donation/Information tables will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Palms Dining Center, on the Pedestrian Walkway, on the first floor of Odum Library (near the Internet Cafe'), in the University Center Lobby (near the Food Court), on the first floor of the College of Education and on North Campus. Campus departments, student organizations, and other campus groups interested in participating in the Wear Red Day should e-mail Assistant Director of Employee and Organizational Development, Becky Murphy, at rbowes@valdosta.edu. The department will arrange for collections to be picked up by Monday, February 9. An 8.5x11 sign to explain your department's participation and tax deduction "thank you" forms will be sent to the department.

The campus will also host a "Take Heart Celebration" in late February to recognize heart disease prevention efforts. The event will feature a heart-healthy breakfast, speakers, door prizes, health screenings, and more. Stay tuned for more details or frequent the Campus Wellness Web site, www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness (which will feature the most up-to-date information about the event).

Make "Go Red For Women" last a lifetime. Sign up at GoRedForWomen.org and stay up to date on the latest heart health information so you can love your heart and make heart healthy choices all year round.

For more information about VSU's Go Red for Women Campaign events, contact Jennifer Gill, Campus Wellness Event Coordinator at 245-2239.

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I CHOOSE TO MOVE, NOT SIT: Get active with this free, 12-week fitness plan designed for women, for women at: www.choosetomove.org/

I CHOOSE TO EAT BAKED, NOT FRIED: Get free hearty-healthy recipes at goredforwomen.org/login_for_recipes

I CHOOSE TO BE EMPOWERED: Ask your healthcare provider these heart heath questions at www.goredforwomen.org/talking_to_your_doctor

I CHOOSE TO WEAR RED IN SUPPORT: Shop Go Red's New Online Boutique at www.goredforwomen.org

I CHOOSE TO SHOW MY SUPPORT: Donate to Go Red For Women and receive a free Red Dress pin at www.goredforwomen.org/donate
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Heart disease facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for 52.8% of the total heart disease deaths.

In 2004, heart disease was the cause of death in more than 450,000 females.

Heart disease is often perceived as an "older woman's disease," and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. However, heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25-44 years and the 2nd leading cause of death among women aged 45-64 years. Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented!