Latest news with #GoRedForWomen
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
California chief nurse officer recognized as national champion for women s health
( NewMediaWire ) - May 14, 2025 - DALLAS — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all. Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes, the Heart Association's 2025 National Woman of Impact(TM) Winner, from Sacramento, California, is working to change that. She's shining a spotlight on women's health while raising funds to fuel the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of all health, through the Go Red for Women(R) movement. As a chief nurse officer at Sutter Health and a heart-health advocate from Sacramento, California, Ascencio-Holmes brings both personal experience and professional passion to her mission to save more women's lives and inspire them to take control of their health. For her, the mission is personal. While Ascencio-Holmes worked as an open-heart surgical nurse early in her professional career, her connection to heart disease became more poignant when her sister-in-law tragically passed away from a massive heart attack at just 40 years old. That loss emphasized, for her, the critical need for awareness around cardiovascular disease in women. 'Saying 'yes' to the Woman of Impact nomination was not just an opportunity—it was a way to honor my loved ones and contribute to a mission that can save lives,' Ascencio-Holmes said. 'By encouraging open discussions about cardiovascular disease and stroke awareness, we can create an environment where women feel supported in prioritizing their health.' The Woman of Impact campaign launched on National Wear Red Day(R), Feb. 7, and culminated on April 10. Peer volunteers in 96 communities across the country nominated 507 participants to join a nine-week initiative to raise awareness for women's heart health, drive action to improve the health of women in their communities and ultimately help fund the lifesaving mission of the Heart Association. 'The Woman of Impact campaign is a way for us to recognize the incredible changemakers in our communities who are fighting for heart health,' said Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and retired financial executive for The PNC Financial Services Group. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. Katrina and the other nominees are enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.' As the National Winner, Ascencio-Holmes will continue to advocate for the work being done through the Go Red for Women movement. For more information about the Woman of Impact campaign and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, visit Additional Resources: ### 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 Go Red for Women(R) The American Heart Association's signature initiative, Go Red for Women(R), is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women's heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). For Media Inquiries: Katie Kwapich: 419-260-5808; [email protected] Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
From emergency nurse to patient: 24-year-old lives through stroke
AUSTIN (KXAN) – When it came to picking a career, Alex Wilson-Garza felt a calling to serve others – she comes from a family of teachers and first responders, including police officers. 'I felt like nursing was always the right pick for me,' said the registered nurse. Two years ago, she didn't imagine the roles would reverse and that she would be on the hospital bed where she works — the emergency room at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center. Go Red For Women Luncheon Hosted By The American Heart Association 'It was a normal day, I was with my husband,' Garza said. 'We were on the couch getting ready to go to one of our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, when I wasn't starting to feel too well and from there is when I don't actually remember what happened.' Garza said her husband told her that the left side of her face looked droopy, and it was difficult for her to pick up things with her left hand. Garza said the only thing she remembers is feeling dizzy. 'When I finally kind of came to it, I just remember staying on the edge of my couch, and my husband is putting my shoes on, saying that we need to go to the emergency room,' Garza recalled about that day. 'I was like, no, we're not going, I'm fine. Thank God he was persistent.' Familiar faces greeted her at the ER – nurses and doctors she works with on a daily basis. Trouble sleeping? Austin sleep apnea trial could help transform lives and treatment options 'I was surrounded by coworkers, people I trust, fantastic nurses, fantastic doctors, and also, especially my family, and my husband who saved my life,' Garza said. She said she went through testing, scans, and blood work. 'I've done it a million times to other patients, and now it was my turn,' the registered nurse said. The results showed Garza suffered from a stroke caused by a clot in her brain. 'Whenever you're suspecting a stroke, time is of the essence,' Garza said. One of her colleagues, Dr. Trent Roubleau, a neurologist at the emergency room, treated her. He said the longer people take to address a stroke – the likelihood things can get worse. Inspired to run after the Austin Marathon? Former UT track athlete, Olympic trial qualifier shares 4 easy tips 'Approximately one million brain cells die per minute in an acute stroke. That's irreversible. We don't generate new brain cells,' Roubleau said. 'The longer the stroke is allowed to happen, the more the brain will die, and the more likelihood exists that the symptoms the person is having will be irreversible.' The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association use the abbreviation FAST to describe the symptoms. When you notice Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, it is Time to call 911. Both the AHA and ASA said stroke is the nation's fifth leading cause of death. Garza was surprised she suffered a stroke because she lives an active lifestyle and eats well. 'My husband, son, and I are always outside, walking the dogs, we go to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together, swim and all that good stuff,' Garza said. Finding community through sweat and friendship: The story of SweatPals 'It's very rare for a blood clot to develop with no risk factors,' the neurologist said. 'Generally, there is a modifiable risk factor, whether it is genetic, or the blood being a little bit too prone to form blood clots.' There are other factors Roubleau said can increase the risk including hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. 'Among women, it's a significant risk factor that people don't generally think can cause blood clots to develop, but this is actually a risk factor for stroke,' he said. The AHA and ASA recently came out with new guidelines to help people reduce the risk of having a first stroke. The guidelines urge health care professionals to screen patients for sedentary behavior, a confirmed risk factor for stroke, according to both associations. The guidelines also want doctors to encourage their patients to exercise. And while medications, lifestyle changes and nutrition help – the AHA and ASA recommend a Mediterranean diet because it has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. The guidelines also recommend health care professionals screen people for high blood pressure, cholesterol, high blood sugar and obesity. Both associations are also calling for public awareness about the benefits of quitting smoking, increasing exercise, eating better, and focusing on sleep – lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk. Austin athlete to watch: Swimmer Lizzi Smith hopes to bring spotlight to Paralympics Garza's treatment at the emergency room included a tissue plasminogen activator, a drug that dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain. She also underwent a thrombectomy. 'I was taken to the operating room where they went in, and took a little bit what was left of the clot out of my brain,' Garza said. After spending two days in ICU, recovery turned out to be a challenge. Garza is used to working out every day, playing sports and it was hard for her to slow down. 'At the time I could barely walk a mile because I was dizzy,' she said. 'It took about a good three to four months to get back to the level of fitness I was in. Luckily, I was able to get back to work three to four weeks after the stroke.' Talking about her experience is getting easier – Garza calls it therapeutic. Pregnant Texas mom beats Stage 3 breast cancer, shares story to support life-saving research 'When it first happened, it was really hard for me to talk about because I was very angry, not at myself, I was angry at the world, because, why did this happen to me?' Garza urges people to listen to their body and to ask whether what their body is feeling is normal. 'I hope one person out there listens and gets checked out.' Garza said she is not letting the stroke define her and stop her from living her life. Here's what she said when KXAN asked if this moment in life empowered her. 'Yes, 100 percent! This experience has made me a better nurse,' Garza said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
