Coronado goes red for Heart Association

Hundreds of people saw red at the Hotel del Coronado recently. The reason was The American Heart Association’s 2008 “Go Red for Women” Luncheon. As usual, many supporters showed up in bright red attire for an event designed to increase awareness of heart disease and inspire women to take charge of their heart health. Since cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, it’s not surprising local women were all fired up about the cause.

The daytime event began with a Heart Healthy Expo and Break-Out Sessions. At noon, the ladies broke for lunch and a program featuring UCSD Medical Professor Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor as the keynote speaker. Dr. Barrett-Connor gave the audience a litany of practical advice (that included heart-healthy tips starting with every letter in the alphabet).

Heart survivor Tonya Henderson-Meyer (a pediatrician and mother of four) shared her heartwarming story with the audience. After the live auction, there was another Break-Out Session, titled “Estate Planning Workshop for Women.”

Myssie McCann chaired the event with Dianne York-Goldman of La Jolla Spa MD. York-Goldman accepted the position of Circle of Red chairwoman (an elite group of people across America “who have made a personal commitment and financial gift to help find a cure for the leading killer of women”) because “I am passionate about fighting heart disease and stroke,” she stressed. Barbara Lee Edwards, news anchor for KMFB TV, was emcee of the inspiring afternoon.

Participants took home plenty of information about living a longer and healthier life. They also came away with much more knowledge about their own health status, thanks to the health screenings available at the informative Expo and Break-Out sessions.