Join the American Heart Association (AHA) and show your support for the women in your life by encouraging them to know their numbers and pay attention to their heart.

The highlight of this year’s AHA campaign is the 7th Annual Go Red For Women Luncheon at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells. This year’s event takes place on National Wear Red Day, which is the day the American Heart Association encourages people to wear red to raise awareness of the toll heart disease takes on women.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women – killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Most women don’t notice the symptoms of heart disease, and in some cases, aren’t even aware of them. The AHA is working to change that.

Since the AHA’s Go Red For Women campaign was launched a decade ago, more than 627,000 women across the country have been saved from heart disease – that’s 330 fewer women dying of heart disease each day. But the fight is far from over.

The next step takes place locally on February 7 at the Coachella Valley Go Red For Women Luncheon. The AHA is excited to announce that this year’s honored speaker is Lynn-Holly Johnson. The actress is known for her role in the movie Ice Capades, as well as for her Bond Girl character Bibi Dahl in For Your Eyes Only. Johnson is also a stroke survivor.

The AHA hopes to kick-off American Heart Month with a special surprise in Palm Springs and will share more information once it is secured.

What does it mean to Go Red?

Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise and eat healthy.
Realize Your Risk: We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills 1 in 3 women.
Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
Don’t be silent: Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our #1 killer. Raise your voice at GoRedForWomen.org.

The 2014 Coachella Valley Go Red For Women Luncheon is sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare, Kerrigan Family Medical Group, The Date Commission, Humana Challenge, Desert Regional Medical Center, Humana, Eisenhower Desert Cardiology Center, and Eisenhower Medical Center.

Event registration begins at 9:00 am. The educational sessions begin at 9:30 am, and will feature a physician from Desert Regional Medical Center. The Go Red For Women heart healthy lunch will be served at noon. All attendees are encouraged to wear red to show their support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign.

For more information, call (760) 346.8109 or visit www.cvgoredluncheon.org.