According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease continues to be the single leading cause of death for American women. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
The American Heart Association has identified several factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The more risk factors a woman has, the greater her risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Some of these risk factors women cannot control, such as increasing age, family health history, race and gender; however, there are additional risk factors (such as diet and exercise) that women can modify to lower their risk.
The Heart of a Woman Event is aimed at educating local women on ways they can live a “heart healthy lifestyle.” This year’s event included three phenomenal speakers, educational booths, and several health screenings. The women all commented on how much they learned at the event.
One particular speaker really captured the attention of the audience. Donna Winburn is a past Texas Health HEB patient, and a heart attack survivor. Hearing her story really hit home for many of the attendees, seeing as Donna was a healthy 50-year old woman, yet still suffered from significant heart disease. We hope many of the attendees walk-away from the event with more knowledge and “tools” to allow them to lead a healthier lifestyle, and prevent future heart disease.
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| Donna Winburn speaks to the group |
Different departments throughout Texas Health HEB, the Woman’s Advisory Council, and community health all worked closely together to make the event possible. It is so great to work for an organization where the employees truly work towards the Texas Health mission “to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve.”
For more information on heart disease or to request a healthy heart kit, please visit www.TexasHealth.org/Heart
Jessica Reading, MPH
Community Health Educator
Texas Health HEB
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