2011 Go Red for Women
Once again the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women luncheon was a huge success. Held on February 18, 2011 the group sold out the fabulous Renaissance Cleveland Grand Ball Room. Almost 1,000 people were in attendance to spend time at the Health Expo, attend break-out sessions, enjoy a heart-healthy lunch and listen to speakers. 
Something new was added this year. Each person was given a hand held inter-active voting machine that helped the speakers know if their point was getting across. It was a fun way to keep the audience engaged and served a useful purpose as well. 
Linda Kinsey, Executive Editor of Sun Newspapers,
tries out the device
Something else was a little different in the Sea of Red. The vast majority of women were wearing red in some way. But in addition, there was a much larger group of men in attendance than in past years and they were all donning red ties. So the little red dress we all associate with Go Red for Women has been joined by A Red Tie.
As event chairman, Pamela Huggins, points out, the Go Red campaign started in 2004 and at that time only a handful of people realized how devastating Heart Disease is to women. It was still considered "a man's disease" even though statistics showed otherwise. Now most people not only know more about Heart Disease, but they also know more about how to prevent it.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Monica Robbins says Cleveland can boast one of the largest Go Red events in the entire country. The event raised over $700,000 dollars for research. 
Monica Robbins
It is essential that women learn the symptoms of heart problems - they are not necessarily the same in women as they are for men. Some symptoms include nausea, dizziness and anxiety. In addition women should be aware of pain in their backs (as well as chest) and/or a deep aching in one or both arms. Clammy sweating, unexplained blackouts, fluid retention in the lower legs and difficulty catching ones breath when waking up all join the more standard symptoms of rapid heartbeats and a feeling of heaviness (pressure) in the chest area.
Cardiovascular disease in women is nothing to be taken lightly. It is the No. 1 cause of death in women and at the same time is the most preventable. Women need to pay attention to the messages their bodies send them and seek medical attention if even the smallest symptom presents itself.
There are as many reasons for Going Red as there are women. Some women Go Red for their mothers, others for their children. Some Go Red for other women or for future generations. Whatever the reason, remember to Go Red for yourself.
Cleveland Women at Go Red for Women
Dr. Gaylee McCracken
Karen Melton
Michelle Barrett of Bridgestone
Peggy Getko gets touched up by Gig Plumb
of Estee Lauder at Macy's
Barb Demagall, Lori Kingston, Robin Rowell and Susan Bitting of University Hospital
Dominique Moceanu
... with Brenda Parks
Kate Rawski and Angela Bannoy
Dr. Rebecca Boxer and Meryl Closs
Anne Mooney of ClevelandWomen.Com
Candace Berthold of Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
Edrea Lazerick, Kim Hoffman and Rachel Skocic
Ashley with mom Stefanie Zelenskas
Maureen Lindway
Sandy Merkel and Karen Weaver
MC Monica Robbins
Catherine Fallick and Lee Ann Howard
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