The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is proud to announce that Johns Hopkins Medicine – National Capital Region (JHM-NCR) is the Live Fierce Go Red sponsor for the Greater Washington Region. JHM-NCR will focus on women’s physical and mental health around the Go Red for Women campaign that will educate the community through multiple public awareness campaigns and online educational experiences.
“When it comes to women, particularly women of color and younger women, we continue to see disparities around the recognition of symptoms, treatment of chronic stress and more,” said Jessica Melton, president and chief operating officer of Suburban Hospital, part of JHM-NCR. “Women have unique needs and risks factors when it comes to heart health. Our physicians and care teams are focused on raising awareness and bringing their expertise to support the health and well-being of women across our region.”
The campaign launches with a call for women to “Reclaim Your Rhythm” starting on Friday, February 4, as a part of the Association’s Go Red for Women National Wear Red Day.
“Go Red for Women and JHM-NCR will help women by promoting opportunities to build healthy habits and learn from
leading experts throughout the year,” said Soula Antoniou, executive director of the American Heart Association. “We’re thankful for the ongoing commitment of Johns Hopkins Medicine to improve women’s lives.”
Experts say the effects of COVID-19 are likely to influence cardiovascular health and mortality rates for many years[1], directly and indirectly, physically and emotionally.
“Now’s the time for women everywhere to prioritize their health and well-being and ‘reclaim the rhythm’ that allows them to
flourish,” said Carolyn Carpenter, president of Johns Hopkins Health System for the National Capital Region. “We recognize that fulfilling our mission of improving the health of our communities requires that we increase our support to the women who form its foundation. Our plan is to do just that through expanding access to services, disseminating new knowledge and bringing additional clinical expertise to the women of the NCR.”
5 Ways YOU Can Reclaim Your Rhythm:
Mellow Out and Reduce Stress
Stress leads to unhealthy habits like overeating, physical inactivity, smoking and risk factors for heart disease and stroke like high blood pressure, depression or anxiety.
Move to the Music
Physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function, and lower risk of depression.
Feed Your Soul, Rock Your Recipes
Eat meals together as a family for a chance to connect and decompress. Regular meals at home with family reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make the whole family feel connected.
Stay on Beat with Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke and can contribute to worse outcomes for people who contract COVID-19.
Keep the Beat! Learn Hands-Only CPR
When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. Help your community reclaim their rhythm by learning the two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR: Call 911, then press hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Join the conversation on social media by using #GoRedDC, #HeartMonth and #WearRedDay. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Learn more about upcoming events and download health resources at www.DCGoRed.Heart.org.
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[1] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease