“In order to take care of those around you, you need to remember to take care of yourself.”
Self-care was a key theme as the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Go Red for Women movement in Greater Maryland proudly celebrated National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5th with a heart-to-heart panel discussion. Panelists at the event, sponsored by Signature Sponsor Versant Health, encouraged women to advocate for their own health and wellbeing, and gave them tools for making heart-health a priority.
Heart disease is the nation’s leading killer of women. But paying attention to risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle can help keep heart disease at bay. 
Panelist Dr. Tolu Agunbiade provided easy to remember tips for maintaining sound cardiovascular health:
- H: Eat healthy food
- E: Exercise
- A: Schedule your appointments
- R: Report everything to your doctor
- T: Take care of yourself
Thanks to our panelists: 2021 Go Red for Women Greater Maryland Chair Kimberly Davis, Chief Accounting Officer, Versant Health; AHA Local Board President Dr. Stacy Fisher, Cardiologist, University of Maryland Medical Center; Dr. Garima Sharma, Cardiologist, Johns Hopkins Medicine; and Dr. Agunbiade, Cardio-oncology, Medstar Health.
To learn more about how you can reduce risk and foster wellbeing, check out these resources:
Women’s Heart Health Overview
Heart disease is the nation’s leading killer of women. But paying attention to risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle can help keep heart disease at bay.
2020-2021 Go Red for Women Greater Maryland
Meet the Real Women Class of 2021
Warning Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke
8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke – Infographic
Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women vs Men – Infographic
Racial and Gender Inequity
The nation’s history of structural racism and discrimination must be acknowledged as a driver of health problems and shortened lives for Black people, other racial, ethnic and minority groups, and women.
Structural racism is a driver of health disparities, report declares
A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association
COVID-19 highlights long-term inequities in some communities
Why Are Black Women at Such High Risk of Dying from Pregnancy Complications?
How to Fill the Crucial Need for More Black Cardiologists
Mental Health and Wellness
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
How Does Depression Affect the Heart?
Meditation to Boost Health and Well-Being
Busy Parents and Caregivers Must Care for Themselves
How does stress affect the body?
How to Break Bad Habits and Change Behavior
How to Boost Willpower infographic
High Blood Pressure
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure and many don’t even know they have it. With proper treatment and management, you can control your blood pressure to help you live a long and healthy life.
The Facts About High Blood Pressure