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.