Survivor urges others
‘Go Red for Women’
Elaine Flynn
Guest Column

Did you know a woman is 10 times as likely to die from heart disease as from breast cancer? Cardiovascular diseases kill more than 505,000 American females every year — more than cancer, chronic lung disease, pneumonia, diabetes, accidents and AIDS combined.

As a Middlesex County resident, county clerk of Middlesex County, an American Heart Association volunteer and survivor of three heart surgeries, I urge all women, businesses, towns, and people from all walks of life to "Go Red for Women" Feb. 6. The American Heart Association has declared Feb. 6 as National Wear Red Day for Women to bring attention to the magnitude of heart disease and stroke in women. Nearly 15,500 New Jersey females die annually from heart disease and stroke — the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of N.J. females.

The American Heart Association’s new campaign will be officially unveiled during February, American Heart Month, and will invite women to take charge of their heart health, make it a top priority and live a stronger, longer life. The bold color red will be the American Heart Association’s color for women and heart disease, and on Feb. 6 people from all walks of life across the nation will "Go Red for Women."

My first heart surgery took place at age 20 when I had surgery to repair a hole in my heart. At age 33, I had another heart surgery procedure, and finally in June 1999, I had a third heart surgery to replace a heart valve with an artificial valve.

As a survivor and a "Go Red for Women" spokeswoman, I encourage everyone, especially women, to wear something red Feb. 6 in support of all women who have been touched by heart disease or stroke.

It is time for New Jersey women to take charge of their cardiovascular health by becoming more knowledgeable. Help us fight the top killer of women age 25 and older by going red Feb. 6. Learn more about the "Go Red for Women" campaign by calling the American Heart Association at 1-888-694-3278.

Elaine Flynn is the spokeswoman for the American Heart Association’s "Go Red for Women," North Brunswick