Simple lifestyle changes can reduce heart attacks and strokes – AmericaJR

DETROIT – Heart disease, I'm sure, has already hit someone you love. The good news is that 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through education and simple lifestyle changes.

Deena Centofanti, a Fox 2 News presenter, hosted the 15th annual Go Red for Women luncheon at the Detroit Ford Field on Friday.

"The goal here today is to see the effects of heart disease in our family. Heart disease is the biggest threat to women, "said Centofanti.

She remembered a story when her mother was in town and we met at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan. We all went to the cinema to see "Dead Pool."

"I felt funny, my heart was beating fast and I was nauseous. 911 was called. They put me in an ambulance and we left for Beaumont. At the hospital, I remember that I was lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling. Well, it turned out that I was dehydrated. So, do not ignore the symptoms. I was lucky that it was a good result. It is ironic that I speak here today, "Centofanti said.

Laura Vaughn, executive director of the Detroit branch of the American Heart Association, says we're trying to educate and empower women to take charge of their health. One in three women die of heart disease each year. We can bring so many simple changes to our way of life. Among these:

1. Rethink your drink. Eliminate sweet and sugary drinks. An alcoholic drink a day will not cause heart disease. All in moderation.
2. Increasing activity. Taking the stairs, taking a walk, parking your car further are some examples. It makes your heart beat.
3. Eat five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables, with healthy grains. Manage your diet in moderation.
4. Know the signs and symptoms if your body is weird. Men will experience jaw pain, elephant chest sensation and shortness of breath. Women suffer from pain in the arms and back, shortness of breath and heartburn. However, everyone is different and can look like a man.

"We are all girls, mothers and sisters who support, educate and empower women to protect one another. Heart disease kills more people than all cancers combined, "says Vaughn.

Samiya Muhammed, a student at Cbad Tech High School, spoke about her experience with heart problems. She went to the hospital because of chronic headaches. At age 12, the doctor told her that she was suffering from coronary artery disease.

"If you get something out of it today, pbad it on to your families," said Sheryl Smith, vice president of marketing at McLaren Macomb.

Mimi Brown and Jason Lamoreaux hosted the Live Auction portion of the event. Among the gifts offered, a stay on the South Coast of Spain, a Las Vegas getaway, a gift certificate from the Somerset Collection and a Jimmy Buffett concert at the DTE Energy Music Theater.

The Go Red for Women Breakfast provided a lot of useful information. Thousands of dollars have been raised to support this great cause.

For more information on the Go Red for Women campaign or to donate, visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/