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As some of you know February is Heart month and it is fitting to shed some light on this organization and their cause. Though American Heart Association has numerous chapters across the country, each one carries out their initiative in line with their goals and mission which is:
To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.
December of last year I attended a presentation where researchers at Northwestern were presented a check by The American Heart Association and a panel discussion followed that was moderated by Laura Schwartz. On the panel were Dr. Clyde Yancy (NMH Chief of Cardiology) Dr. Donald Llyod Jones(NU Feinberg School of Medicine Preventative Medicine Chair), William H. Roach(Past Chairman National Board of Directors at American Heart Association) and Dr. Robert Bonow
They talked about recent pioneering treatment for heart failure. 7 factors that are secret to healthy longevity and quality of life as well as touched on different between bypass vs stent procedures and innovation therapies.
The Chicago chapter of American Heart Association carries out different events and community initiatives to raise funds and spread the word about their mission. But did you know that they never had a young professionals board, until now? A few months ago I attended the CAPBC Find Your Cause event (I highly recommend it for those looking to get involved in junior boards). I stopped to talk to them and from there I decided I wanted to help carry and continue this mission. Laila Shetty and Molly Barber will be leading a group of active, civic minded individuals like myself looking to make a difference.
This cause is close to me because like some of you, I too have a family history of heart conditions. My paternal grandmother passed from CHF(Congestive Heart Failure) which can be acquired or genetic and my maternal grandmother had a mini stroke, so I know that I need to take caution with my health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading killer in the US and some of it is preventable. For those of you that have lost a loved one, have a family member suffering from the effects of stroke or someone on a list waiting for a heart transplant you understand why this cause is so important. For those of you that have been fortunate enough to not have been closely touched by heart disease, turn to someone next to you and ask them, I’m sure their story will be different.
Friday February 1 will be the first day of Heart Month and also GO RED (FOR WOMEN DAY) and I urge you ALL to partake. Men, Children, ladies whatever; heart disease does not discriminate against gender, race or age. Wearing RED will not cost you a thing and I’m sure you have a red item in your closet you’ve been looking to wear. So join me, my fellow Associate Board of American Heart Association members and countless citizens that have lost loved ones, that suffer from the disease, that fight everyday til we can find a cure. JOIN US AND GO RED.
Also on Thursday January 31, Macy’s and the American Heart Association will kick off heart month with Find Your Red shopping party. If you are in Chicago, stop by Macy’s on State St from 5:30-7:30 and pick up something red or a red dress pin for $2.
If you would like to get involved with Chicago Chapter of AHA let me know.
