NEWS RELEASE
February 11, 1998

Every Woman Focus on Heart Disease in February

Heart disease in women is the February focus of Every Woman...Michigan's Year of Women's Health. The Michigan Department of Community Health urges women to engage in heart healthy habits to reduce their risks for cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.

"Heart attack is commonly believed to be a man's problem," said First Lady Michelle Engler, honorary chair of Every Woman. "Yet, the latest statistics tell another story." Heart disease is the number one killer of women in Michigan and in America today. More than 14,000 Michigan women died of heart disease in 1995, according to the latest statistics available. More than one in five women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Risks are higher for African American women.

Since 1984, the number of cardiovascular disease deaths for women has exceeded those for men. Although more men have heart attacks than women, and men have them earlier in life, women have lower chances of surviving them. The rate of having a second heart attack within a few years is also higher for women than for men.

Although nearly twice as many women die from cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer, only 8% of U.S. women consider heart disease as their greatest health threat, according to a recent national survey. "Women can take charge of their cardiovascular health by becoming more knowledgeable about these diseases and taking action to reduce their risks," said James K. Haveman, Jr., Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). "Women can reduce their risks of heart disease by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing the use of hormone replacement therapy with their physician."

MDCH offers heart health programs around the state through the Worksite and Community Health Promotion Program. These programs offer heart health screening, information about controlling risk factors for heart disease, and other services. For specific information about programs in a particular area, call 1-800-537-5666. Women who would like to learn more about preventing a heart attack can call the American Heart Association's toll-free number 1-888-MY HEART. Callers will receive information and a free phone card to use to educate other women about heart disease.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
February 11, 1998 (517) 241-2112