Life is full of many great moments to cherish such as weddings, anniversaries, college acceptances, and graduations. Many pre-med students probably know that the number one non-communicable disease and killer in the United States is heart disease, with many risk factors such as bad diet, genetics, and poor exercise habits. The mission of the American Heart Association (AHA) is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. AHA’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke for women is called “GO Red for Women,” and it has an event coming up next Tuesday, May 10.

This event is nationally sponsored by Macy’s, Fitbit, International Paper, Jamberry, Jewelry Television, and Merry Maids. As part of the movement, women will learn facts about heart disease in women, symptoms of heart attack and stroke, living with heart disease, and heart disease research.

Women are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI (body mass index) and to understand the factors that increase their risk for heart disease including the effects of smoking, birth control, pregnancy, heart disease and menopause.

There are many ways to become part of the Go Red for Women movement. One can access goredforwomen.org, or become a volunteer for this year’s event by messaging Edwin Hubbard at [email protected].

Next Monday’s volunteering will include a free Subway lunch and will take place at Todaro’s Party Center at 1820 S. Akron Peninsula Rd. from 9:00a.m.  to 3:00 p.m.

I would like to encourage and welcome all pre-med and other UA students to participate in the Go Red for Women movement, which begins with the event on May 10.