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Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department is joining the nationwide “Heart Truth” Campaign to raise awareness among local women that heart disease is the #1 health threat.  One in four American women die of heart disease and most fail to make the connection between risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol and their personal risk of developing heart disease. Last year in Laredo, 40% of the total deaths were due to cardiovascular disease, as we age this will become more of a public health concern. 

The “Heart Truth” campaign is a nationwide effort to prevent heart disease in women by providing them tools to help them take action against risk factors.  Its message is paired with-the Red Dress-that serves as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. 

In recognition of the Heart Truth campaign, the City of Laredo Health Department is highlighting the important risk factors for heart disease:

·         High blood pressure.

·         High blood cholesterol.

·         Diabetes.

·         Smoking.

·         Being overweight.

·         Being physically inactive.

·         Having a family history of early heart disease.

·         Age. 

Each risk factor greatly increases a woman’s chance of developing heart disease, but having more than one is especially serious. Early detection and healthy nutrition are key to prevention and through initiatives as HEAL our community is encouraged to improve their health by creating environments where healthy eating and active living are supported.  

As part of the health efforts, the City of Laredo, along with 12 other Texas cities, will be included in the 2010 assessment process for the Heart and Stroke Healthy City Recognition Program. The state-wide program recognizes Texas cities for having in place a set of ten evidence-based, community indicators that are known to be important in reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke. 

The City of Laredo Health Department is inviting the public to join this effort and wear red on Friday, February 4^th to show support for women’s heart health.

Activities planned for the month include:

• Proclamation read by Mayor Raul G. Salinas, at the City of Laredo Health Department Auditorium on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 10:00 am. 
• To promote wellness and reduce heart disease on Friday, February 4^th from 7 am to 11 am, Women can assist the Buena Vida Early detection clinic to get screening services for 24 tests (glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, liver and kidney tests and more) for $20 rather than the regular $35 dollars, this is being supported through our cancer, wellness, heart and stoke prevention efforts.   
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• Educational displays and educational sessions by the Health Departments and partners. 
• Free heart disease risk factor screenings including blood pressure, glucose and body mass index.
• As part of the Heart and Stroke Healthy City Initiative, free CPR classes will be conducted weekly at several sites from the month of February until August 2011.

·         On Friday, February 11^th the City of Laredo’s Health Department together with the Employee Wellness Department will host a mini health fair from 11 am to 2 pm at Employee Wellness, the event will focus on women’s heart health and is for female city employees only.

 The CLHD’s message is clear: Every woman needs to take her heart disease risk seriously and take action now to reduce that risk.