Heart disease is no laughing matter. It is the number one killer of women causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman dying every minute. So, to support awareness of heart disease in women, The American Heart Association presents its Go Red for Women expo and luncheon on Tuesday, May 13, at the Highland Country Club from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Expo will take place from 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and the luncheon will follow from 11:45 a.m.- 2 p.m. Support the cause and wear red attire for the event.

The keynote speaker is Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA, author of seven books on entrepreneurial business growth, including The Connectors and And the Clients Went Wild! She is the president of the consulting and training firm, Red Zone Marketing. The title of her presentation is “Uniquely You! Standing Up and Standing Out!” Cardiologist Dr. Debbie Thomasson will also speak and will present a segment sponsored by FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke Campus.

“Back in 2004, The American Heart Association noticed that heart disease claimed the lives of 500,000 American women every year and most of the research focused on the men,” said Debbie Thomasson, cardiologist and presenter at the event. “Women are caretakers and have a tendency to not take care of themselves and there is no one to take care of them.” Thomasson added that a campaign was launched and she has been involved with it since it launched.

The typical risk factors of heart disease are age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and inactivity. “We are noticing that our children and teenagers are becoming less fit and have less cardiovascular fitness,” said Thomasson. “There is more childhood obesity and we know that obesity changes the way the heart functions.” Thomasson added that the American diet consists mainly of fast food which is low on vegetables. There is a guideline: eat five fruits and vegetables daily, walk 10 minutes a day, and sleep eight hours.

“I’m passionate about educating women locally because in our region, we have counties with some of the highest heart disease death rates in the state,” said Patty Collie, Vice-President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley, and 2014 Chair of Sandhills Go Red For Women Campaign.

The Heart Health Expo will include vendor booths featuring health related products and services. Two breakout information sessions will be offered: “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way — Adding Power to all Aspects of Your Life” hosted by Morgan Stanley and “Heart Healing through the Yogic Perspective” hosted by North State Bank Mortgage. A “Red PURSEonality” silent auction featuring original art pieces will add to the day’s fun and excitement.

“I am hoping to broaden the spectrum to include some things geared toward the younger women and some more innovative things we have to offer,” said Thomasson. “I hope it will be fun for everyone to listen.”

Local artist David McCune has made and donated 50 metal red dresses that will be on display around town to spark interest and the desire to learn more about heart health. Look for them around town. The dresses will be available for purchase at the luncheon.

Ticket cost is $75 and can be purchased online at www.goredforwomen-fayettevillenc.org. Tables of eight are available. Highland Country Club is located at 2381 Raeford Road.

Photo: The Go Red For Women Sandhills Region committee is excited about educating the public about heart health.