At the Massachusetts State House this week, State Senate President Karen Spilka shared her story of survival and encouraged others to take their health seriously.
Spilka’s remarks came during an event organized by the American Heart Association and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, in which legislators from all over the state gathered on the grand staircase wearing red to promote heart health.
The event took place during American Heart Month, which which aims to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is a woman’s No. 1 health threat.
“Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men,” Spilka said. “I think all of you know, a few years ago I was one of them. Thankfully, I caught it early, got the medical attention I needed. I’m here today to be able to see first-hand why raising awareness for this is so critically important.
State House News Reporter Amanda Keane reported on the event in a story published by Spectrum News 1. Read her full report here.