RAHH joins “Go Red For Women” campaign

Images of red will become a familiar sight as Roseau Area Hospital and Homes joins the “Go Red for Women” campaign to increase awareness of the serious dangers of heart disease, which is the number one killer of women in America.

No, it’s not because of Valentine’s Day that this issue of HealthMatters is dressed in red. However hearts do in fact have a lot to do with it.

The crimson and scarlet accents are here to announce that Roseau Area
Hospital and Homes is participating in the American Heart Association’s national
“Go Red for Women” campaign.

The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about heart disease, the number one killer of women in America.

“By joining the ‘Go Red’ movement we hope to create local awareness and educate our neighbors about the dangers of this silent killer,” says Roxanne Fabian, Director of Nursing at Roseau Area Hospital.

According to the American Heart Association, only 13 percent of women view heart disease as a health threat, yet cardiovascular disease kills nearly half a million women a year. On average, that’s about one per minute.

In addition, approximately one in four women and one in four men in the United States suffers from some form of cardiovascular disease.

Coronary heart disease and stroke, two other potential outcomes from heart disease are just as concerning.

“The numbers are serious when you actually stop and look at them,” Fabian says. “Our goal is to make the women of Roseau County and the surrounding area realize the importance of maintaining or improving their heart health.”

The reasons to do so are many.

The American Heart Association says 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.

And though breast cancer often takes the spotlight when a person is asked to name a deadly disease for women, current statistics say one in 2.5 women will die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 from breast cancer.

“The good news is women can take steps now to better their health and potentially avoid a situation a week, month or years from now,” says Muriel Fevold, RN, head of the Cardiac Rehab department at RAHH.

Healthy activities including exercise and better food choices are key, as is meeting with your healthcare provider to determine your current level of health and, if necessary, additional steps to improve it.

Myth Busting
It was once believed that estrogen gave women an edge against heart disease.

“But that edge is only a delay, as women tend to get heart disease about ten years later than men. But they still get it. Being a women is no protection” Fevold says.

The truth is heart disease is a serious condition that may be avoided.

“It doesn’t take much to make a big difference,” says Fevold. “A good cardiovascular workout can do wonders.”

That goes for all ages.

Selma Nikunen recently completed her 500th heart strengthening exercise session at Roseau Area Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab department.

At 92, Selma Nikunen of Roseau recently completed her 500th workout session at the hospital’s Cardiac Rehab department.

Though she has battled heart disease, Selma has strengthened her heart through a disciplined exercise program.

“Selma has taken control of her own health. She has not missed a single exercise session,” says Fevold. “The best advise I can give is to encourage women to get involved in their own health. It can be easy to do, and very rewarding at the same time.”

To learn more about “Go Red for Women” visit www.goredforwomen.org or contact Roxanne Fabian or Deb Haugen of Roseau Area Hospital and Homes at (218) 463-2500.