Dear Friends,

Cardiovascular disease – which includes heart disease and stroke – still claims the lives of one in three American women. In Maine, cardiovascular diseases account for almost 29 percent of all female deaths. However, thanks to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign, women’s heart health is improving. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is proud to be the statewide Maine Goes Red sponsor.

For more than 10 years now, women have proudly worn red, shared stories of survival and begun to understand the truth about their hearts. As we approach National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 6, we are asking that you join us to continue the fight against heart disease and stroke in women.

Even with all the increased awareness and research, our work is far from done on this vital health issue. More women die of heart disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. But the strength of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends fighting side by side is more powerful than any killer. Eighty percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and not smoking

Please join the cause by registering at GoRedForWomen.org. You will receive a red dress pin to wear and show your support, plus all the resources you need to get heart-healthy. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 6, and Wear Red to support hearts everywhere. We hope the knowledge and tools from Harvard Pilgrim and the American Heart Association will inspire women throughout Maine to be as healthy as they can be in 2015 and beyond.

To get involved locally, contact your local American Heart Association office at 207-879-5700 or visit www.heart.org/maine.

There are so many ways to a healthy, happy heart and we are thrilled to partner with the American Heart Association to help get you there.

Regards,

Eric H. Schultz

President and CEO

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care