On March 11, some 40 SSA Women and Young Women Division members and friends joined in a nationwide Heart Walk, “Go Red for Women”, organised by the Singapore Heart Foundation. This event was graced by Dr Lily Neo, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency.
An international women’s campaign, this walk aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women and encourage women to go for regular health screenings so as to reduce their risks of heart disease, which is presently women’s Number 1 killer disease worldwide. The Heart Walk also serves as a platform for like-minded groups to come together for a time of community bonding and heart health support. Red is the colour for women and heart disease and wearing red signifies the commitment to this movement for the future health of all women in Singapore.
Held at Bishan Park II, women of all ages wearing red shirts walked a distance of 1.8 km around the Park after a mass aerobics workout. Banners were put up to educate women on various facts regarding heart disease and ways to prevent them. Health screening was also available for all present.
[“Go Red for Women” campaign was initiated by the American Heart Association in 2004 to empower American women with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their heart health. It has thus reached hundreds of millions of American women and their loved ones. Established in 1970, the Singapore Heart Foundation is Singapore’s leading heart health charity and takes a proactive role in promoting national heart health in the community.]
(SSA Times issue 234)
