ATLANTA – State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is encouraging citizens to “Go Red for Women” by wearing red on Friday, February 1, 2019. “Go Red for Women” Day is celebrated by the American Heart Association and is designated to increase women’s awareness and research about cardiovascular health. Rep. Carter will also host a “Go Red for Women” rally on Friday, February 1, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia.
“Heart disease is truly the silent killer,” said Rep. Carter. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and white women in the United States and contributes to nearly one in four deaths among women each year. Fortunately, we can change that, because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education, healthy eating habits and regular exercise. My grandmother died of a massive heart attack. My mother died in her sleep. I was fortunate to make it to the hospital in time for the doctors to stop the attack on my heart. However, doctors discovered that I had a 100 percent blockage. I had no idea that I was having a heart attack. I am committed to sharing my experience in hopes of helping someone else to survive like I did. I am grateful to be alive to share my story.”
Dr. Ijeoma Isiadinso, a Board Certified Cardiologist at the Emory Heart and Vascular Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, will educate attendees on heart disease in women and prevention.
“Approximately 64 percent of women have no symptoms prior to their heart attacks, which can lead to sudden death,” added Rep. Carter. “It is alarming that 5.8 percent of white women, 7.6 percent of black women and 5.6 percent of Mexican American women have a form of heart disease. Education and awareness can aid in the fight against heart disease. We need your help in order to create change within women’s health.”
Rep. Carter encourages citizens to consider making a donation to Go Red for Women in the remembrance of the families of those who have died of heart attacks or strokes. She is also reminding women to schedule well-woman visits, prevention check-ups to review overall health and blood pressure, check cholesterol and look for signs of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
For more information about the “Go Red for Women” rally, please contact Rep. Carter’s office at 404-656-0220.
Representative Doreen Carter represents the citizens of District 92, which includes portions of Rockdale and DeKalb counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Education, Industry & Labor, Small Business and Special Rules committees.
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