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LOOK: Health : Heartfelt Designs for Red Letter Day

Posted on: Wednesday, 17 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

YOUNG designers Robert Holland and Charlotte Kelly are enjoying theirvery own red letter days. They are the winners of our Red Dress competition run in conjunction with Liverpool's Cardiothoracic Unit.

Now their fabulous designs are to be used to showcase the work of the centre - and raise awareness of heart disease among women.

"It was a hard decision but we were really impressed by all the designs," says Carol Kirkham, fundraising manager at the Cardiothoracic Centre.

"The Red Dress campaign is a great symbol for our work and through the competition we wanted something that would incorporate all our key themes."

Winner of the adult category of the competition is Charlotte Kelly, 13, a pupil at St Edward's College in Liverpool. Her backless dress design impressed all the judges. She receives a Memory Craft 4800QC sewing machine donated by Janome.

Liverpool's John Lewis store has also donated material to the value of pounds 100 for the winner to make up her design. Once created it will be showcased in an ECHO fashion shoot.

Runner up was Niamh Sexton who has won pounds 200 of Abakhan Fabrics vouchers.

The junior category prize was won by Robert Holland, eight, from Linacre primary school, Bootle, with a bold design with a strong heart theme. He wins a portable CD player

Heart disease and how to lower the risk

1in-6 women die of heart disease each year, making it the UK's biggest killer.

The Red Dress Campaign aims to raise awareness of heart disease in women and to provide information and advice.

Heart disease among women in Merseyside is 30% higher than the rest of England.

The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (NHBLI) in Washington D.C. launched the Heart Truth Campaign in the United States last year. The Cardiothoracic Centre sought permission for The Cardiothoracic Centre to be the first international partner of The Heart Truth Campaign

What is heart disease? Coronary heart disease is a disorder of the blood vessels thatsupply the heart with blood. They become narrowed or blocked which can lead to a heart attack and angina.

A heart attack happens when an artery becomes completely blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart

How to lower heart disease risk

Replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones Regular exercise will help your heart work more efficiently Follow a healthy eating plan that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat.

Limit salt and sodium and alcohol intake.

Maintain a healthy weight Stop smoking Manage diabetes

Source: Liverpool Echo

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