Heartfelt plea
A recent American Heart Association survey found that nearly half of American women still don't know that heart disease is their greatest health threat. In Illinois more than 13,000 women died from heart disease in 2006 ( latest statistics available ) making heart disease the No. 1 killer of women in our state. And cardiovascular diseases caused more than 33.8 percent of deaths in Illinois in 2007.
Through my role with the American Heart Association and extensive work with heart failure patients, I've witnessed the debilitating impact that heart disease has on women and their loved ones.
I could've been one of those women.
That's why I am a strong supporter of the HEART for Women Act—bipartisan federal legislation aimed at reducing death and disability from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in women. The HEART for Women Act ( www.heartforwomen.org ) aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women by educating both women and health care providers about prevention programs and the most effective treatments for women. The bill would tighten Food and Drug Administration requirements for gender specific reporting data on heart medication in clinical trials. It would also authorize the expansion of WISEWOMAN to all 50 states, a screening and lifestyle counseling program for uninsured and underinsured women, which is currently available in Illinois.
We have to stop thinking of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as a "man's disease." They are killing our mothers, sisters and friends; and there is much more Congress can do. I urge our lawmakers to co-sponsor the HEART for Women Act and help us save lives.
Kathleen L. Grady, PhD, APN, FAAN
Chair, Illinois Advocacy Committee
Member, Chicago Board of Directors
American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate
Confab coverage
Thanks for covering the Equality Across America Midwest Conference meeting in Chicago March 12-14, as I had not heard about it elsewhere. While we need all the people and groups and publications our community/movement has, it is probably the "grassroots" that is our best weapon in educating the world and gaining our civil/equal rights. And communication among people is important. The Internet is a great help, but it is good to meet people in person and share news and ideas.
I'm glad Blair Mishleau mentioned the words of Lt. Choi, who has chosen to serve in the military and wants to be open about his sexuality, but has good words for those who oppose war and, thus, disagree with his choice. What a contrast to the bigotry shown in the events in D.C. over the health bill, where serious discussion was replaced with shouting and attacks on the race and sexuality of anyone having a different view on the measure.
Billy Glover
Chicago
