Health: Philadelphia Dashes Against Heart Disease
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's National Wear Red Day. People are sporting the color to raise awareness about the number one killer of women. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on a special dash on the streets of Philadelphia.
Women are making noise about the deadly affects of heart disease. It's all part of The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign.
"I hope this helps generate awareness for the cause," said Marlee Kattler, of Philadelphia.
"I'm out here today in honor of my father and my husband, who I lost to heart disease," said Lt. Donna Mobley-Thomas, of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
It's a sea of red in Philadelphia. Men and women from the area put on their red and tied up their sneakers to participate in the Red Dress Dash in Center City.
"I'm running for all the women that are suffering from heart disease, and to also make my heart healthier," said Natalie Morrison, of Philadelphia.
The goal is to make people aware that heart disease kills one in three women in America, and to encourage women to take action and improve their health. Knowing heart attack symptoms is also important. Doctors say many women ignore the atypical symptoms they're often faced with.
"Understand your body, and listen to the symptoms that you're experiencing. We've heard women have symptoms of, sometimes they can have a pain in the jaw. Really extreme fatigue. Even a pain in the back," said Aleta Rupert, the Executive Director for the American Heart Association in Philadelphia.
Experts say to prevent heart disease in both men and women, be sure to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
For more info on Go Red for Women, click here.
