Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020! Heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute! Heart disease claims more lives than breast cancer.
The 1st Annual Go Red for Women event was held on Wednesday, Feb. 17. This event was organized by Candida Akins. Akins is motivated and inspired by her very own personal experience with heart disease. She was diagnosed with a rare form of heart disease, known as Post-partum Cardiomyopathy after giving birth to her first set of twins in 2005. This aggressive disease almost claimed her life as a result of its severity.
Akins has since became an advocate, heart walk team leader and volunteer for the American Heart Association. The event was a success and Akins is looking forward to organizing an annual event every year. Akins shared an inspirational testimony with her guest. In addition, Akins arranged for three informative speakers to attend the event. Wendy Silvernell and Betsy Rykard from Madison County Health Department were in attendance. Silvernell and Rykard provided valuable information pertaining to healthy lifestyles and heart disease. To add, Lavericia Copeland provided valuable information about her career as Health Coach. Copeland provided information pertaining to heart disease and overall health.
The event was held at Mount Zion A. M. E Church.
If anyone is interested in joining Akins in the First Coast Heart Walk in September, please contact her by emailing candidamerritt@gmail.com or join the walk by visiting http://firstcoastheartwalk.kintera.org/familieswithbighearts.