Go Red For Women and NBC Inspire Women to 'Speak Up To Save Lives'

Jennie Garth and NBC News' Hoda Kotb Join the American Heart Association's Fight Against the No. 1 Killer of Women

DALLAS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is still their No. 1 killer. In fact, one in three women die from cardiovascular disease at the rate of almost one per minute. That's why the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women is empowering women across the country to spread a heart-healthy message to their friends and community in a new 30-minute NBC television special, "Go Red For Women Presents – Speak Up To Save Lives." The goal of the special, featuring Jennie Garth and hosted by Hoda Kotb, is to inspire women nationwide through the stories of real women who are saving lives with the power of their very own voices.

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After losing her father to heart disease, actress and Go Red For Women spokesperson, Jennie Garth, knew it was important to speak up for her heart. "When I turned 30, I made the commitment to get my heart checked every year," she said. "I learned that I have a leaky heart valve, and while it isn't a serious condition, it reminds me to take my own health seriously and speak up for myself at the doctor's office."

This February, Go Red For Women held a nationwide search during American Heart Month to find women who are using their voice to fight their No. 1 killer. Hundreds of stories were submitted from across the country and 15 women were selected to represent both Go Red For Women and Go Red Por Tu Corazon, Go Red's cause platform for Latinas, in 2010-2011. Three of these women joined Jennie Garth to share their stories of survival and heart-healthy change in "Go Red For Women Presents – Speak Up To Save Lives:"

• Renee, 39 – A heart attack survivor whose decision to listen to her body may have saved her life
• Migdalia, 38 – A Latina mother making heart-healthy changes to reduce her own risk and her sons' risk
• Pam, 44 – An African-American heart disease survivor whose desire to have a child nearly took her life

"Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease," said Melissa Wood, M.D., Co-Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center Corrigan Women's Heart Health Program and Go Red For Women spokesperson. "Since heart disease can be prevented, it is imperative that women are aware of their risks and that they speak up at the doctor's office, in their communities and to their families and friends."

Go Red For Women Presents "Speak Up To Save Lives," produced by NBC's Peacock Productions and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution, premieres in national syndication beginning on September 18 and on MSNBC on September 25 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org for local listings.

2010-2011 GO RED WOMEN

The 2010-2011 Go Red Women were selected to inspire women to make their voices – and their hearts – stronger than ever. Go Red For Women hopes that by meeting real women who are saving lives, women nationwide will be empowered to speak up for their own hearts.

In addition to the women appearing in "Go Red For Women Presents – Speak Up To Save Lives," the 2010-2011 Go Red Women include:

The Survivors

• Jill, 39 and Kay, 61 – A daughter who survived more than an hour of cardiac arrest and her mother who helplessly stood by as EMS tried to save her
• Linda C., 46 – A heart transplant survivor raising her sister's children after losing every woman in her immediate family to heart disease
• Lori Anne, 39 – A survivor of a rare heart condition that is usually only diagnosed post-mortem
• Katy, 30 – A young survivor of a heart attack and personal heartbreak
• Janine, 52 – A heart attack survivor and healthcare worker who never thought it could happen to her
• Jeri, 47 – A heart disease survivor nearly taken down in her physical prime
• Maricela, 57 – A Latina heart disease survivor working to make her family traditions more heart healthy
• Cheryl, 37 – An African-American heart disease survivor empowering others as she raises heart disease awareness

The Preventers

• Molly, 33 – An expectant mother and chef building a healthier life for herself, her child and her community
• Linda P., 22 – A young Latina on a mission to change her life and educate her parents about their risk
• Myrna, 35 – A mother fighting to stop the disease that has hurt her family for so long

To meet the 2010-2011 Go Red Women and learn how you can speak up for your heart, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's solution to save women's lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that can be prevented. GoRedForWomen.org, a premier source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

Consumer Inquiries:

The American Heart Association

1-800-AHA-USA1; or visit americanheart.org

SOURCE American Heart Association