MIDCOAST — Increasing heart health awareness, especially among women, is the goal of the annual Go Red for Women kick off to be held at Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital on February 7. Staff are encouraged to wear red that day, and the hospitals invite patients and visitors to wear red, too.

The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for women to take charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they cannot bear to live without. 

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat, according to American Heart Association. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented.

“The first line of defense is starting with the primary care provider and having a discussion with them about your symptoms and also about the risks,” said Lynette J. Weeman, DO, a specialist in cardiovascular disease with Maine Medical Partners, in a news release. “One of the issues is that women often ignore their problems, perhaps longer than men. I think that if there are symptoms that are concerning, even if they sound like they might be a bit different, it’s really important to share those with your primary care provider and let them help you understand if it’s something to be concerned about.”

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, inactivity, obesity and diabetes.

“You can control or treat these risk factors with lifestyle changes and with your healthcare provider’s help.” said the hospitals, in a news release. “Modest changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your heart health and lower your risk for heart disease. Start with a commitment to your health today and dress red on Friday, Feb. 7!”

About Pen Bay Medical Center
Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a nonprofit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital
Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a nonprofit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, visit wcgh.org.