National Wear Red Day celebrated in Watertown
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – During a ceremony Friday morning, Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo Pierce issued a proclamation marking Friday, Feb. 7 as National Wear Red Day. Heart disease survivor Wendy Hinman shared her story to highlight the risks for women at the ceremony as well.
According to the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. In a Report From the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of women over 20 years old are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., according to a peer reviewed publication on Cardiovascular-Related Maternal Mortality.
'National Wear Red Day isn't just about wearing red; it's about coming together to demand more when it comes to the heart health and well-being of our communities. It's about raising awareness so women know their risks, and supporting them in the journey to better health,' said Stacy Spaziani, regional director for the American Heart Association in the North Country. 'I'm proud to be a part of this movement to rally together and unite against the No. 1 killer of women. Together, we can ensure every woman has equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives.'
You can find educational resources to support women's heart health at every age, and through every stage of life at Go Red for Women and learn more about National Wear Red Day at Wear Red Day's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
9 hours ago
- Associated Press
NFL Alumni amplify 8 plays for heart health during Men s Health Week
( NewMediaWire ) - June 09, 2025 - DALLAS — To empower men to take control of their heart health during Men's Health Week, June 9-15, the American Heart Association and NFL (National Football League) Alumni are spotlighting Life's Essential 8(TM) — eight key components to prevent heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death and disability among U.S. men according to the American Heart Association 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics report. Life's Essential 8 are defined by the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, as managing weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose/sugar, eating a healthy diet, getting physical activity, avoiding smoking/nicotine exposure and getting adequate, quality sleep. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. As the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for more than 100 years, we're helping people reach their maximum potential to live longer, healthier lives,' said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer at the American Heart Association. 'With the support of the NFL Alumni Association together we are meeting people where they are to inspire them to champion their health.' The series of public service announcement videos will be shared via social media to educate and inspire men to take proactive steps toward better heart health. Chaired by Ken Coffey, former NFL safety and senior vice president and chief operating officer of the NFL Alumni Association, the campaign features eight former NFL players and members of the NFL Alumni Association. Each former player highlights a pillar of Life's Essential 8 to help both retired NFL players and the general public understand both the health risk factors as well as the opportunities for improvement. The measures are divided into two categories- addressing health behaviors and health factors. Research shows that following these guidelines can lead to a longer, healthier life free of chronic disease. The Life's Essential 8 are represented by: 'As former athletes, we understand the importance of being proactive about our health,' said Brad Edwards, former NFL All-Pro safety and chief executive officer of NFL Alumni. 'In collaboration with the American Heart Association we will are highlighting each of the Life's Essential 8 measures to share simple, steps that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular issues.' To learn more about Life's Essential 8 and see the player videos, visit ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About the National Football League Alumni Association Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports with 40 local NFL Alumni chapters nationwide. NFL Alumni's triple mission focuses on 'caring for our own,' 'caring for kids,' and 'caring for the community.' For more information, visit For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Linzy Cotaya: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
State looks to tackle heart issues in schools
Photo illustration by Getty Images. Seconds count when it comes to matters of the heart, an issue state legislators are trying to tackle in schools. Signed into law last month, House Bill 869 mandates all public and private schools have a cardiac response plan in case of an emergency. Additionally, it puts $240,000 in state money toward training coaches, school staff and parents to spot the signs of cardiac emergencies as well. The funds can be used to purchase automatic external defibrillators. During the bill's House hearing, Jackie Semmens, a lobbyist with the American Heart Association, said the survival rate of a serious cardiac arrest event generally is about 10%. However, if a person gets a shock within the first minute of the heart stopping, the survival rate is 90%, she said. There's about 23,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest in children each year, she added. 'Additionally, our schools are community gathering centers, and having the AED present at athletic events can not only save a child's life, but it can save the life of anyone at the event, parents, teachers, grandparents,' Semmens said. 'In our rural schools, having this equipment available is especially important as the time for first responders to arrive on scene may be significant.' Rep. Melissa Romano, a Helena Democrat who brought the legislation, said that of 590 school buildings in Montana, there were about 175 registered AEDs. There likely are more AEDs than that, but still a shortfall. Romano said the idea goes back to a conference she attended in Kentucky. She brought the idea back, mulled it over and worked with the Montana High School Association to craft something that could work for everyone. She has kids involved in sports, too. 'As a parent, you know, the more you learn about sudden cardiac arrest, it's like, 'Oh goodness, this is actually something that we could help prevent,' Romano said. 'If we just have the right equipment in the right places.' Serious cardiac events for children are rare, but the training also means if coaches have problems the equipment is already there. But it has happened in Montana, including a tragedy last year when a high schooler at soccer practice in Kalispell was sent to the intensive care unit after a lightning strike. An AED was used on scene. More than 10 years ago, Columbia Falls athletic director and athletic trainer Troy Bowman saw this first hand. A child collapsed, Bowman and a nurse began CPR and had another teacher retrieve an AED device, which they used with success. 'Later that evening, we were able to visit with him and his family and the young man, he was a freshman at the time, graduated, was able to play golf,' Bowman said during a House hearing for the bill. 'He had an undiagnosed heart condition, which led to his collapse.' Brian Michelotti, the executive director of the MHSA, said the organization's sports medicine's advisory committee has been at work on the issue of cardiac issues in student athletes. In fact, the group had a meeting shortly after Damar Hamlin, a player for the Buffalo Bills, whose heart stopped during an NFL game after he was hit during a play. Hamlin was immediately treated on the field and was able to return to play professional football. 'It was kind of the trigger that really put our sports medicine committee in full gear to make sure that we were doing stuff with AED training and emergency action planning,' Michelotti said. Many schools already have a plan in place. Anaconda Athletic director and basketball coach Dakota Norris said they have a cardiac emergency plan, which has also been the case at previous jobs, he added. Butte Central boys basketball coach Brodie Kelly has had players with heart issues before and he saw the legislation as a good thing. There's many types of injuries coaches have to deal with, Kelly said. 'My thought, is that as coaches, we're in position where these kids could be dealing with any of those issues, and the more educated we are, the more prepared to deal with it, the better,' Kelly said. Additionally, the legislation also extends to middle schools, which haven't been under the same stipulations as high schools. The MHSA has no authority over middle schools, Michelotti said, but they were happy to implement this bill to help them.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Exactly How Many Times a Week To Walk To Improve Your Heart Health, According to Cardiologists
Exactly How Many Times a Week To Walk To Improve Your Heart Health, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade. One of the best ways to support your heart is free, easy and can be done anywhere: walking. There's no shortage of scientific studies showing the many ways that walking benefits health. Some of the highlights: Walking regularly has been found to lower blood pressure, assist with weight loss, support cognitive health and lower depression. Pretty impressive for something that only requires a pair of sneakers!Perhaps you already know that walking supports health, but you're wondering how often you should do it to truly reap the benefits. Here's what cardiologists say it's important to keep in mind in terms of how often to walk a week, how long your walks should be and how fast you should When it comes to walking for heart health, Virginia Heart cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Segal, MD, says that any amount of walking is better than none at all. 'At the very simplest, do what you can,' he shares, adding that the more you do, the better. In terms of how many times a week you should walk if you want to improve your heart health, UT Southwestern Medical Center cardiologistDr. Ijeoma Eleazu,MD, says the gold standard of advice to follow comes from the American Heart Association, which recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. 'This breaks down to about 30 minutes a day, five days a week—enough to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke,' she explains. Related: With this in mind, people who want to improve their heart health should walk as much as possible, but at the very least walk for 30 minutes, five days a week. But even with this guideline in mind, it's important to do what you can. '[The general] recommendation should be adjusted depending on your overall health, previous fitness or activity level or any orthopedic or balance problems that may make you prone to falling, any lung disease or any other health issues,' says Dr. Louise Spadaro, MD, a cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, adding that it's best to talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program. Related: While 30-minute walks are especially beneficial, Dr. Eleazu says that shorter walks support heart health too. 'The key is consistency and hitting the recommended total duration each week. Longer walks—up to or even longer than 30 minutes—are great and can make time for reflection that can clear the mind, but shorter walks (even as short as 5 to 10 minutes multiple times a day) help break up activity into shorter, manageable sessions,' she explains. In terms of how quickly you should walk, Dr. Eleazu says should notice an increase in your heart rate, explaning, 'Walking at a moderate pace—where you breathe heavier but can still hold a conversation—is linked to better cardiovascular outcomes. A brisker pace increases heart rate and circulation more effectively than a casual stroll." Related: If you want to take your walks to the next level and do even more to support your heart, all three cardiologists say there are a few ways to do it. Dr. Eleazu recommends doing speed walking intervals, alternating between bursts of quick walking followed by slower walking. This is a way to get your heart up, allow yourself time to recover and get your heart rate up once again. Dr. Spadaro says you can also increase the distance of your walk. For example, if you currently walk one mile a day, you can gradually increase the distance to 1.5 miles. She adds that another way to up your walking game is to hit the trails because the rougher terrain requires more effort. If there are no trails near you, opt for a hillier route. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 According to Dr. Eleazu, another way you can make your walks more challenging is by wearing a weighted vest. This makes the body work harder, which will benefit the heart. 'I believe that any amount of activity has heart health benefits, so if you can't follow the recommendations exactly, try to find ways during the day to take some extra steps,' Dr. Spardo says. 'Use the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther from the entrance to stores or work, take a walk on your breaks and try not to sit in one place for too long.' The more active you are, the more your entire body will benefit—heart included. Up Next:Dr. Jonathan Segal, MD, cardiologist at Virginia Heart Dr. Ijeoma Eleazu, MD, cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center Dr. Louise Spadaro, MD, cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center Exactly How Many Times a Week To Walk To Improve Your Heart Health, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
