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"The Heart Truth Campaign: Unveiling The Red Dresses"Thank you, Dr. Cristina Beato, for that kind introduction. And let me also thank the fine Americans who have joined me here to spread the message about women's heart health. I'm proud to declare this day, and the third Friday in every February, as Women's Heart Day. There's a great historic connection between fashion and women's health. Back in 1943, when the Public Health Service formed the Volunteer Nurse Corps, a full fashion show was held in the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to choose the nurses' uniforms and encourage more women to become nurses. Of course, this building will never be confused with the Waldorf Astoria. It's wonderful to join each and every one of you today to celebrate the arrival of the Red Dresses at HHS. This outstanding project will do more than just show us the prowess of our best fashion designers - it will save lives. As part of the Heart Truth campaign, these dresses will travel across the country, bringing the message of women's heart health to millions. It is such an important message, my friends. Women are too often tragically unaware of the danger of cardiovascular and heart disease. Some people think heart disease is just a man's disease, but in fact, it's the number one killer of women in America.
It's time to act. It's time to get the word out about women's heart health. That's why this Department's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is cooperating with luminaries of the fashion and design industries such as 7th on Sixth, the Mercedes-Benz corporation, and the lovely Angela Lindvall, to promote women's heart health through the Heart Truth campaign and this Red Dress Project. The Heart Truth campaign includes television, radio, and print public service advertisements to deliver a wake-up call about women's heart health. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has produced a brochure on heart disease called The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women. We're empowering community leaders to spread the Heart Truth message with a kit that delivers the facts on heart health. We're partnering with advocacy organizations like the American Heart Association, the Sister to Sister Foundation and Women Heart to get our message out, along with help from the Office of Women's Health here at HHS. I'm glad many of these organizations could join us here today. And of course, we have these wonderful red dresses from America's fashion leaders to remind us that beauty isn't just something for the outside. The message of the Red Dress Project is that heart disease doesn't care what you wear. More important than a pretty face and a fine figure is a beautiful heart - and I'm not just talking about a sweet disposition. If this project can get that message out, if it can save a life, and give one mother another day with her daughter � then it will be a success. The good news is that success is easy - and it's within reach of so many American women. Some risk factors, like a family history of early heart disease, are beyond a woman's control. But most can be controlled. Every woman can take steps to reduce her risks and improve her life. Taking up a physical activity, quitting cigarettes, or just walking around the block can reduce your risk, not just of heart disease, but also of diabetes and other preventable diseases. Take it from me - your heart and your loved ones will thank you for it. Now, I'd like to introduce my good friend Irene Pollin, founder and President of the Sister to Sister Foundation. We've worked together before to get the word out about Heart Truth, and I'm proud to say Irene is one of our most dedicated partners. It's my pleasure to introduce Dr. Claude Lenfant, Director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Claude, it's a privilege to have you on our team. And now I'd like to ask Paula Upshaw to come share her personal story of surviving a heart attack. Thank you for joining us today, Paula. Your mission is a great inspiration to all of us. All of you working so hard to make The Heart Truth campaign a success have my admiration. The women of America give their thanks. And their families, friends, and loved ones give their eternal gratitude. We invite you all to look at the dresses. A brisk walk around them will be good for your heart - absorbing the Heart Truth message will be good for your heart - and it will be especially good for your heart that there aren't any price tags. Last Revised: February 27, 2003 |
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