The American Heart Association's Go Red Por Tu Corazon and Chef Ha

DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of Latinas in the U.S. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.  Unfortunately, the killer isn't as easy to see, and may be difficult to identify for Latinas and their families.  This Friday, Feb. 3 2012, is National Wear Red Day, a day meant to motivate Hispanic women in our communities to make healthy life choices for themselves and the ones they love to help stop heart disease.

This February, Go Red Por Tu Corazón will be joining forces with Chef Hamlet García, host on Vme Cocina to help spread awareness about heart disease and how to decrease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

"Our heart health is really in our hands.  As Latinos, sometimes we are used to eating large portions and cooking with fatty oils.  One of the first steps we can take is to make small changes to the food we cook in our homes," said Chef Hamlet, spokesperson for Go Red Por Tu Corazón.  "This directly influences our heart health, and allows us to continue enjoying moments with our loved ones."

Currently, some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.  In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

Eva Gomez, 2011 Go Red Por Tu Corazón spokesperson, comments on her experience. "I could not believe it," said Eva. "Now I am one of the many women who suffer from heart disease the number one killer among Latinas".

"After my experience, I have made many changes in my life to maintain Heart health," said Eva. "The first thing I had to change was my eating habits. I eliminated fried and greasy foods and substituted them for healthier foods."

The good news is that heart disease can be prevented. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women are linked to poor choices, involving diet, physical activity and smoking. Women must make the right choices to change this statistic.

That's why Go Red Por Tu Corazón, the bilingual movement of the American Heart Association was developed to offer Hispanic women and their families the tools and resources necessary to be healthier using practical tips that are culturally relevant.

Local Events

Local Red Dress Dash and Go Red CONNECT events will be held across the country throughout the month of February. Latinas who share their stories about heart disease have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause representing Go Red Por Tu Corazón in marketing materials, at events, and on GoRedForWomen.org and GoRedCorazon.org.

Visit GoRedCorazon.org for more information about local Go Red CONNECT events and how to participate in National Wear Red Day.

For more information on Go Red Por Tu Corazón and National Wear Red Day, please visit GoRedCorazon.org or

www.facebook.com/goredportucorazon.

Go Red Por Tu Corazón is nationally sponsored by Macy's, Inc.

About Go Red Por Tu Corazón

The American Heart Association's Go Red Por Tu Corazón is a bilingual heart-health movement for Latinas that is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease the No. 1 killer of Latina women. Go Red Por Tu Corazón promotes a heart-healthy lifestyle, through healthy eating and physical activity, building on Latinas strong ties to family and cultural traditions. As the sister cause of Go Red For Women, Go Red Por Tu Corazón has already inspired Hispanic women nationwide to begin to take care of their hearts. Visit GoRedCorazon.org, call 1-888-474-VIVE or find us on Facebook to get free information about the movement. Go Red Por Tu Corazón is nationally sponsored by Macy's, Inc.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement, created by women, for women, dedicated to uncovering the truth about women and heart disease: heart disease can kill you or a woman you love.  With more women dying of cardiovascular disease than the next three causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premier source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

Consumer Inquiries:

The American Heart Association

1-800-AHA-USA1; or visit americanheart.org

Accredited Media Inquiries Only:

Marleny Ramirez, American Heart Association      

(214) 706-1798; Marleny.Ramirez@heart.org

Veronica Potes, Edelman

(212) 704-4499; Veronica.Potes@edelman.com