HELP US TURN BUILDINGS RED IN FEBRUARY!

Help us turn Allen County red in February! We need building to “Go Red” this February  for American Heart Month - and especially on Wear Red Day - Feb 3. Businesses can join the ranks of Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, Times Square and many more landmarks.


There are many ways a building can Go Red. For instance:
• Light a building red (cover your exterior lights with red gels or red holiday lights)
• Hang red dress banners showing support of Go Red For Women throughout your facility
• Place Go Red For Women decals or posters in building windows
• Tie red ribbons on trees


Buildings that Go Red will receive many benefits, including:


• Inclusion in the American Heart Association’s local publicity efforts to showcase the hundreds of local businesses that “Go Red”
• Identification with the American Heart Association, the nation’s premiere health research, advocacy and educational organization dealing with cardiovascular disease
• Awareness and educational programs for employees offered through the year, to keep heart health and quality of life and work as a priority for staff


For a Buildings Go Red resource guide or more information, on how you can help turn buildings red, contact Wendy King at wendy.king@heart.org.

Welcome new BetterU Challengers!

Please welcome our new Go Red BetterU Makeover Challengers - Cheryl Allen, Becky Beckman, Lorraine Binkerd, Jennifer Boen, Tracy Brimhall, Rebecca Craig, Remona Gates, Laurie Hollars, Judy Meiklejohn, Danita Morris, Kim Ruffin, Mary Sherwood, and Karen VanGorder. Over the next 12 weeks, you'll hear from these inspiring women as they work to lead heart healthier lives. I encourage you to join them on their journey by signing up for the BetterU Challenge at www.goredforwomen.org/betteru and following this blog. Good luck to all!

Go Red For Women Luncheon will Inspire, Educate

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply a half day of entertainment, this year’s Go Red For Women Luncheon in Fort Wayne offers something for everyone.

Activities include free health screenings, breakout sessions, educational booths, a keynote speaker and a heart healthy lunch. A silent auction will feature a wide range of items such as a seven night romantic resort getaway, tickets to the Dr. Oz Show, third row tickets to a Colts game, and a red fur jacket.

The American Heart Association will also unveil twelve women from the Allen County surrounding area who have been selected to participate in a Go Red For Women BetterU Makeover Challenge. As part of the 12-week challenge, the women will receive free wellness screenings, medical consultations, coaching from personal trainers and dieticians, and additional resources to help them make healthy changes to their lives. Earlier this fall, women had the opportunity to apply to participate in the challenge. A committee of community representatives selected eight women based on their need to improve one or more risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, weight, and lack of exercise.  

A special tribute will also be made at the Luncheon in honor of women veterans. A special table at the Luncheon will be filled with women who have served or are currently serving in the military.

The Go Red For Women Luncheon, presented by Parkview Health, will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. A limited number of tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling Jessica Schaffer at 800-229-1503. Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Tickets are $100. For more information, visit Heart.org/FortWayne.

The goal for the annual Go Red For Women Luncheon is $85,000, which would be used to fund lifesaving research, educational programs, and advocacy efforts targeting heart disease in women.

Cardiovascular disease, which claims 460,000 lives annually, is the No. 1 cause of death among women. In fact, 1 in 3 women will be affected by heart disease during their lifetime.

Go Red BetterU is a free 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week focuses on a different area and provides step-by-step guidance. The site provides everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool. 

Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck.

Welcome ELT Committee Members to the BetterU Blog!

Thank you for going through the Go Red BetterU Challenge this fall.  Thanks to you, we'll be ready when we officially launch the BetterU Makeover Challenge to our new eight women who will be selected next month.  Good luck as you go through the challenge right right now!

BetterU Buddies

I am so proud to be associated with the 12 women who have begun their health trek for better Heart Health with BetterU. We have Bev who knew she had high cholesterol and wants to lower it without meds. Katrina has high blood pressure that she carefully controls. Madeline has lost almost 40 pounds and is finding a new adventure in healthy eating. Mary is a bank president of 2 states and still makes time to exercise and eat healthier. Mary Ann hasn't missed walking one day since we started our project in early August. Kaye started in a walking club and is now hoola hooping once a week. Lynne has given up bread and sugars and feels much better and has more energy. Linda rides her bike to a walking class~ what dedication. Angela hasn't had the benefit of our weekly calls and meetings and is working hard anyway - 20 pounds so far. Anna has lost 9 lbs and is not enjoying sweets as much as she once did. Melissa is going to a personal trainer and has signed up Kaye and Bev. Danette has realized how her demanding job needs a balance and exercise has become her counter weight.


I am not doing as well as the other gals, but I am so inspired by them. I hear again and again from each one how prioritizing themselves as number 1 is the key. Eating more healthfully, working out and sometimes even taking deep breaths are ways that help. They stress balance, priority, preparation.


Sign up now for the first official BetterU group. Maybe someone can learn from our first group...