Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) Urges Women to Take Heart Health Seriously

Submitted by the Office of the Senate President.

In honor of American Hearth Month, state Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) joined his colleagues to spread awareness of heart disease in women.

Each year, one in three women’s deaths is due to heart disease and stroke. However, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Women’s heart attack warning signs can be different than men’s. Women may experience nausea, jaw and neck pain or flu-like symptoms.

“More American women die from heart disease than any other cause,” Harmon said. “I want to do my part to make sure the women in our communities know about the risks and what they can do to protect themselves.”

On Wednesday, the same day as the governor’s State of the State address, Harmon and other legislators wore red to help promote awareness as part of the Go Red for Women campaign.

“Go Red” stands for:

Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.
Raise Your Voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

National Wear Red Day is February 6. People who want to participate can promote awareness by posting pictures of themselves wearing red on social media using #GoRedIL.