LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2023 — For women, self-care — the act of prioritizing one’s own health and well-being — often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Experts say it should be at the top.
The American Heart Association’s Los Angeles Go Red for Women Luncheon, which takes place at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes on March 14, 2023, aims to bring greater attention to the value of self-care in overall cardiovascular health.
“In many cultures, women serve as the primary caregivers for their families and communities. I’m myself a proud caregiver for my parents and my in-laws and I know firsthand, that we as caregivers often put our own health on the back burner,” said Dr. Romilla Batra, SCAN Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer and the 2023 chairperson of the Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement. “The luncheon — from the speakers we’ve assembled to the program and activities we’ve planned — aims to raise awareness of the importance for women to prioritize their health so that they can experience quality of life.”
Between work, family obligations and a constantly changing world, many women experience chronic stress, which can spell trouble for their heart. According to a 2021 American Heart Association Scientific Statement, depression and negative psychological health conditions are associated with a less healthy heart and body, while optimism and other positive mental health states are associated with a healthier heart and body.
Keynote speaker Leah Weiss, Ph.D., MSW, a mental health expert at Stanford, will share how purpose and self-compassion can be harnessed to build resilience and prevent burnout. A co-founder of Skylyte, a company focused on building healthy teams in a hybrid work world, Weiss will also take a deep dive into the health impact of chronic stress, anxiety and burnout.
Sheila Wenzel-Ganny, a mother, wife, professional artist and motivational speaker, will share the story of how an American Heart Association video she saw at an event helped save and change her life. The video, directed by and featuring actress Elizabeth Banks, humorously portrayed a busy woman, rushing to get her family ready for the day, downplaying her symptoms as “just a little heart attack.”
The Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and helps fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in women. The annual event is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to improve their health, and in turn, support their families and communities.
Women, especially Black and Hispanic women are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke. Those who are in a caregiver role — often women — face added pressure and health risks. A survey from the nonprofit foundation Transamerica Institute of more than 3,000 non-professional caregivers in 2017 found that 55 percent of caregivers said their own health took a back seat to the health of the recipient.
“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming more women’s lives each year than all forms of cancer combined,” said Dr. Batra. “Reducing the vast disparities that exist in women’s health is vital to ensuring that all women, no matter what stage of life, have access to the tools, resources and support they need to safeguard their own health.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and sponsored locally by Keck Medicine of USC and SCAN Health Plan. Additional local supporters include Providence, UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai, City National Bank, Memorial Care and Don Temple Storage. For more information about the Los Angeles Go Red for Women Luncheon, visit LaGoRed.heart.org.
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About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 19 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us in Los Angeles on heart.org/LosAngeles, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or
Media Contact:
Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org