Go Red for Women campaign 2014

1. Go Red for Women campaign2014

2. Overview • Why is heart disease in Australian women an issue? • What has the Heart Foundation done to address this issue? • How you can be involved to spread the word to others?

3. True or false? Heart disease is only an issue for older men. False • Fact: heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in Australia. • Fact: on average, it kills 25 Australian women each day.

4. True or false? For women, the risk of heart disease increases following menopause. True • Fact: women’s risk of heart disease increases significantly after menopause. • Fact: it’s an important issue for women over 45 regardless of whether you are unfit or overweight.

5. True or false? More women die from breast cancer than heart disease. False • Fact: heart disease kills more than three times as many women as breast cancer. • Fact: In 2012 9,139 heart disease deaths occurred versus 2,795 breast cancer deaths

6. True or false? Five out of ten women do not know heart disease is their number one killer. False • Fact: more than six in ten women don’t know that heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women. • Current awareness is 36%

7. Causes of death for women 2011 – Australian Institute of Welfare

8. Women and heart disease: the facts • Heart disease is the single leading cause of death among Australian women. • Risk factors are similar for men and women, but they increase for women after menopause. • More than 90% of Australian women have at least one modifiable risk factor for heart disease. And 50% have two or three. • Women are more likely to experience the atypical symptoms of heart attack • Women’s participation in cardiac rehabilitation is low.

9. The problem… Women’s awareness is low. Most are more concerned about their husband, partner, brother or son having heart disease than themselves.

10. What the Heart Foundation is doing • In 2008 we asked three questions: • What do Australian women know or believe about heart disease? • What impact does heart disease prevention, diagnosis and management have on women? • What could we do to make this an important public health issue?

11. Impact of this five year plan • Go Red for Women launched in 2009. • High profile ambassadors and corporate sponsors helped raise awareness. • National report showed differences in heart disease treatment between men and women. • Developed heart health resources specific to women. Increased women’s awareness of heart disease from 20% in 2008 to 39% by 2012 ( has dropped slightly since).

12. Go Red for Women 2014 Our aims: • Continue to raise awareness of women and heart disease. • Encourage all women over 45 to have a heart health check.

13. Encourage women over 45 that you know to visit their doctor for a heart health check, discussing Family history Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars Lifestyle factors, like smoking, physical activity and eating patterns. Wear a splash of red during June to help raise awareness. Think about holding a Go Red for Women event during the year. Three things you can do

14. Ideas for local events to help spread the word about women and heart disease: Photo exhibition featuring a red emblem Breakfast or lunch Fashion parade Red dress run or walk Quiz night Networking events, such as rural women’s networks, health networks and women in sport networks. Local activities

15. Promote Go Red for Women in your workplace Add a tile on your intranet or website Include an article in your newsletter to staff, patients or your network Place posters and brochures in your lunchroom or reception area. Encourage your colleagues to hold a ‘red’ morning tea to raise awareness and money for women and heart disease. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, or visit goredforwomen.org.au for more information. How your organisation can be involved

16. Visit your healthcare professional for a heart health check. Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars and waist circumference. Find out if you have a family history of heart disease. Quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight. Be active every day. How you can be heart healthy

17. How the Heart Foundation can help you look after your heart … Small changes can make a big difference

18. Choose a delicious and healthier recipe for your next meal using our online recipe finder. Look out for the Heart Foundation Tick in your supermarket for a healthier alternative. Download our healthier catering guidelines for your next event or at work. Give a healthier gift with a Heart Foundation cook book. Make healthier food choices

19. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of energy in the foods we eat outside our home. Look for kilojoule labels on menu boards when you visit a store or drive thru Menu labelling can be found in Cafes and coffee chains Fast or snack food chains and independent stores Bakery chains and juice bars in NSW, SA and ACT Choose a healthier option when eating out

20. Start or join a Heart Foundation Walking group in your community or at work Walking groups are free and a great way to meet new people while exploring our community Look out for special Heart Foundation Walking events, like bushwalks Visit heartfoundation.org.au/walking to find your local group Be active with Heart Foundation Walking

21. Being physically active can be difficult if you have a heart condition or if you haven’t exercised in a while. Heartmoves is a low-intensity physical activity program safe for people with long term health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity. Visit heartfoundation.org.au/heartmoves to find you local class. Be active with Heartmoves

22. Mums United helps Australian families take small easy steps towards a healthier lifestyle and a healthy weight. Find out how a few simple changes can add up to a big difference to your family’s health at heartfoundation.org.au/mumsunited Join Mums United

23. Learn the warning signs of heart attack. If you or someone you are with is experiencing them, call Triple Zero (000). Visit heartattackfacts.org.au to download your action plan and find out more. Learn the warning signs of heart attack

24. Workplace health programs can help improve the health and wellbeing of staff. The can also help reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. Find out more about starting a wellness program in your workplace at heartfoundation.org.au Introduce a workplace wellness program

25. Receive free, personalised information and support about heart health, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from a qualified health professional. Contact our health information service on Call 1300 36 27 87 Email health@heartfoundation.org.au Access free health information