Looking to Raise Awareness of Number One Killer of Women, Heart Disease

Some people look to the month of February and think of Valentine’s Day and the roses, chocolates, and jewels that go along with that day. However, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert and Supervisor Brian X. Foley want the people of Brookhaven to not only concentrate on winning hearts but keeping hearts healthy as well.

Heart disease and stroke are the number one and number three killers of women over the age of 25. Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of over 480,000 women each year, about a death a minute. That’s twice as many as claimed by all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. One in 30 female deaths are from breast cancer while one in 2.6 die from cardiovascular diseases.

“When I learned that one woman dies every minute from heart disease I was simply stunned and I knew I wanted to do something about it,” said Councilwoman Kepert. “Friday, February 2 is Go Red for Women Day and my office will have Red Dress pins available for a suggested donation of $5, 100% of which will go directly to the American Heart Association.”

“Education is the first step in helping women avoid the threat of heart disease,” said Supervisor Foley, “and Go Red for Women Day is the kickoff for the month-long Cardiovascular Awareness Month. I urge everyone, women and men, to learn all they can about cardiovascular disease and to thus avoid that very real threat. I applaud Councilwoman Kepert’s initiative to raise funds for the American Heart Association, and I urge everyone to wear red on February 2.” “Although February 2 is Go Red for Women Day, the entire month of February is Cardiovascular Awareness Month,” said Councilwoman Kepert. “I will be looking to do more to help spread the word and educate the public on the dangers of cardiovascular disease for men and women. To learn more about the dangers of heart disease, visit Americanheart.org, get educated and spread the word.”

“I applaud Supervisor Brian X. Foley and Councilwoman Connie Kepert for helping spread the word about Go Red for Women Day,” said Tracy Trypuc, a registered nurse and Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee for the Greater Patchogue Foundation. “In a town the size of Brookhaven, it really makes a difference. It is my hope that their efforts will help raise awareness, which will save lives.”

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Office of Councilwoman Kepert
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738-• Phone (631) 451-6968 • Fax (631) 451-6447