Media Advisory: UA and American Heart Association to Discuss “Go Red for Women” Campaign at Feb. 4 News Briefing

University of Alabama physicians will join with a representative of the American Heart Association to announce the “Go Red for Women Campaign” at a news briefing in front of the clinic at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 4.

For more information, contact Dean A. Mann, regional director, American Heart Association of the Greater Tuscaloosa Area, 205/394-2948.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Denny Chimes will be illuminated in red Friday evening as The University of Alabama joins thousands of Americans in supporting the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative to fight heart disease in women.

The lighting of Denny Chimes in red on Feb. 4 will signify the kick-off of the 2005 fight against heart disease and stroke in Tuscaloosa County. Denny Chimes will join numerous national landmarks and monuments, including the Seattle Space Needle, Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, Graceland, and more, that will be illuminated in red during the month of February to further raise awareness of women and heart disease.

The University will join with the American Heart Association in hosting a 10:30 a.m. briefing Friday in front of the clinic at University Medical Center on the corner of University Boulevard and 5th Avenue East in Tuscaloosa. Those expected to participate in the briefing are Dr. Chelley Alexander, family medicine physician at University Medical Center; Dr. Eugene Marsh, interim dean of the UA College of Community Health Sciences, and Dean A. Mann, regional director of the American Heart Association for the Greater Tuscaloosa Area.

Alexander will discuss health issues related to women’s heart health with an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and risk factor management, which are key components for a healthy life style.

The American Heart Association initiated “Go Red for Women” in February 2004 to raise awareness of women and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, many women still don’t know that heart disease is their No.1 killer. The campaign provides women tips and information on healthy eating, exercise, and risk factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control and blood cholesterol management.

Marsh is chairperson for the 2005 “American Heart Walk” which will be held for the first time on the University campus on March 12. The walk is a non-competitive event geared to companies, which participate by forming teams of employees, family members, friends and others. Participants raise money to fight heart disease and stroke, and then walk in the event.

For more information, go to http://www.americanheart.org or call 1-888-MY- HEART (1-888-694-3278).