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Local 24 Cares: Go Red For Women luncheon emphasizes need for heart health

Local 24 Cares is a proud media sponsor for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign. A luncheon and fashion show were held at The Great...
Local 24 Cares: Go Red For Women luncheon emphasizes need for heart health

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Local 24 Cares is a proud media sponsor for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign. A luncheon and fashion show were held at The Great Hall and Conference Center in Germantown Thursday.

Local 24 News weeknight anchor Katina Rankin emceed the event, and she has a personal connection to the cause.

“We know 80% of cardiovascular diseases are 100% preventable,” says Katina.

That was the message at the Go Red for Women Campaign held in Germantown. It hit home for Katina. Both of her grandmothers died from heart disease, the number one killer of women.

“My grandmothers both, mentors, should’ve been seeing and watching life’s most precious moments beside us,” she says.

Survivors like Jessica Huey are speaking out. She was only 28 when she had a stroke.

“Definitely didn’t have any health issues or genetic issues that would’ve predetermined why this happened,” Jessica says. “I’m here and I’m healthy and I’m so glad that I am.”

During the luncheon and fashion show, survivors strutted their stuff. Dr. Mary McDonald, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, told us her story. She, too, had a stroke 10 years ago.

“So many people have heart conditions that are undiagnosed that can lead to stroke or death. It’s very important no matter what age that you take yourself by taking care of your heart,” says Dr. McDonald.

“Stay healthy and just listen to your body,” says Jessica. “Knowledge is power and it’s really important to know your numbers, because I never would’ve known it was a possibility that I would have a stroke at my age. I thought it was just for older people.”

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming more lives every year than any other cancer combined.

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