Millions of Red Shoes Take Steps for Women’s Heart Health This Week

BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — WHAT: Launching the Red Shoe as the symbol of taking action for heart health, more than 50 hospital affiliates of the Spirit of Women Health Network will pair dancing with heart health screenings and education in “Day of Dance for Cardiovascular Health” on February 24, 2007 to help women and their families prevent heart attacks and strokes. Lasting from four to six hours, the events will include dancing, physician speakers, screenings, healthy cooking tips, and other activities that make heart disease prevention fun.

“The Heart Truth” campaign of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, which initiated the Red Dress as the symbol of heart health awareness, joins “Day of Dance for Cardiovascular Health” to encourage local action for heart health.

WHY: Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of American women, with nearly 500,000 women dying each year of cardiovascular disease. In fact, heart disease kills six times more women than breast cancer.

Despite the fact that cardiovascular deaths for men have declined over these last 20 years, there has been no change in the number of cardiovascular deaths for women. In the fight against heart disease, consumers need to understand the factors that place women at greater risk for developing heart disease, such as high cholesterol.

A recent study released at the American Heart Association conference explored the benefits of dance in heart failure patients and found dance to be as effective as bicycle/treadmill training for improving exercise capacity. Because it is fun, people may be more likely to participate in dance events than other types of exercise.

WHO: Available for interview to discuss the importance of dance for cardiovascular health and these events are:

   — Tanya Abreu, President & National Program Director, Spirit of Women      Health Network   — Nationally recognized physicians including Alan T. Hirsch, MD, who      advises the American Heart Association, PAD Coalition and National      Heart, Lung and Blood Institute   — Celebrities participating on the Honorary Advisory Board, such as      Rebecca Romijn, Sheila Kelley, Tiffani Thiessen and Mario Lopez   — Local physicians and event organizers, Spirit of Women Hospital Network   

WHERE: “Day of Dance for Cardiovascular Health” occurs in 55 U.S. communities; full list is available by visiting http://www.dayofdance.org/

WHEN: Events take place on February 24, 2007; on-site and advance interviews available

   CONTACT: Tara DiMilia, 908-369-7168    About Spirit of Women  

The Spirit of Women Health Network is a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities in more than 60 U.S. cities joined together to improve women’s health by inspiring access and action on local and national levels. Visit http://www.spiritofwomen.com/ and http://www.dayofdance.org/.

Spirit of Women Health Network

CONTACT: Tara DiMilia, +1-908-369-7168

Web site: http://www.spiritofwomen.com/http://www.dayofdance.org/