Published in the February 16, 2018 edition
MAYOR GAIL INFURNA (left) has declared the Tuesdays in February “Ruby Tuesdays” and encouraged staff to wear red to work. (Courtesy Photo)
MELROSE — Mayor Gail Infurna and the Melrose Health Department are working together to raise awareness of women’s heart health, as part of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.
Infurna has dubbed the Tuesdays in February “Ruby Tuesdays” and encouraged staff to wear red to work. The Health Department kicked it off this week with a special event for employees, featuring heart-healthy snacks, recipes and information, and free blood-pressure checks.
“I think we have done a good job of educating people about cardiac health and the early warning signs of cardiac disease,” said Infurna, who is a nurse. “This month, we want to focus on women, because the risk factors are different for women, and the symptoms are often different as well. The fact is that cardiac disease is the number one cause of death for women – yet only one in five women believe that it is the most significant threat to their health. We can do better, and we’re starting right here in City Hall. Our Health Department has been very proactive on this issue, through their work with Mass in Motion and other initiatives, and I am happy to join their efforts to increase awareness and make Melrose a heart-healthier city.”
For more information and resources, see the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women website.
