UW Health and Go Red for Women Celebrate American Heart Month

MADISON - It's good to take care of your heart, year-round, but American Heart Month each February is the perfect time to get a double-dose of inspiration.

While University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics is proud to be one of the Top 100 hospitals in the country for cardiovascular care (Thomson Reuters Healthcare 2009), UW Health Heart and Vascular Care doesn't just treat heart disease. We also help prevent heart disease by educating patients about their risks and helping them achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Though heart disease is the number 1 killer of both men and women, many women remain unaware of that they are at risk for this deadly disease. That's why UW Health works year round with the American Heart Association as the exclusive Madison-area Go Red For Women Sponsor. The red dress serves as a visual reminder to all women that we need to take care of our "inside" as well as we do our "outside."

Meet Our Go Red Makeover Challengers

Three women from the greater Madison area have been selected to take part in a 12-Week Heart Makeover to educate them on their risk of their largely preventable, No. 1 killer - heart disease.

Meet our challengers, and follow their journey to heart health, as they work with UW Health doctors, nutritionists and exercise physiologists to tackle key issues like nutrition, exercise and breaking old habits.

Amanda

At 28 years old, newlywed Amanda has an eagerness to start a family, inspiring her to make a complete lifestyle change through diet and exercise. Read Amanda's Blog

Kathy

Having a strong family history of heart disease, self-proclaimed procrastinator Kathy is determined to become stronger and healthier for herself and her family. Read Kathy's Blog 

Maria

Maria, a mother to seven boys, one born with a congenital heart defect, is motivated to continue watching her family grow and enjoy life by committing to living a consistent heart healthy lifestyle. Read Maria's Blog

American Heart Month Activities and Resources

In celebration of American Heart Month this February, make a commitment to take better care of your heart by learning more about heart health through the following resources:

• Dash to State Capitol in your red dress
  
  On Thursday, February 4, throw on a favorite (or not so favorite) red dress over your winter clothing and Dash to the State Capitol in support of women's heart health. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, help raise awareness of the No. 1 killer - heart disease. Celebrate afterwards at Brocach Irish Pub.

   

• Wear Red Day
  
  Wear red and show your support of the Go Red For Women movement on Friday, February 5. Red Dress pins are available at UW Health Clinics and at the UW Hospital and Clinics Lobby information desk.

   

• View the special "Go Red" lighting
  
  The State Capitol Dome and many UW Health locations are "Going Red" throughout February in honor of American Heart Month.
   
• Learn how to make healthy eating choices
  
  Watch videos of UW Health nutritionist Amy Mihm for tips on keeping your heart strong by selecting the right foods.

   

• Check out heart healthy recipes
  
  Make your own heart healthy meals at home. View recipes

   

• Meet Madison native and national Go Red Spokesperson Jennifer Engel

   

• Dance to support the work of the American Heart Association
  
  Attend the Heart Ball, February 13, at the Nakoma Golf Club in Madison.