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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Iowans Raise Awareness of Women's Heart Health on 'Wear Red Friday'

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Friday, February 1, 2019   

DES MOINES, Iowa – Red will be the color of choice for employees at the YMCA of Greater Des Moines today, as American Heart Month kicks off with "National Wear Red Day" to raise awareness for women's heart health.

Since 2006, the death rate for women from coronary heart disease in Iowa has been declining – but it still exceeds the national average. Penny Luthen, director of association programs with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, says many people make lifestyle or health-related resolutions in January, but often wait a few weeks to act on them.

"They might join in January, but February is when they actually come into a class or decide to do something, after they've kind-of been on the perimeter, looking and checking out what's going on," says Luthen.

The American Heart Association of Iowa says cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and accounts for one-third of all deaths among women – more than all forms of cancer, combined.

Heart disease and stroke are considered to be 80 percent preventable, but they still claim the lives of one in three women nationwide.

Nearly 7,000 Iowans died of heart disease in 2016, and it's been the leading cause of death in Iowa since 1920.

Luthen says people looking to improve their health should define what that means to them – and what steps they're willing to take. She says it often includes answering these questions.

"Are you seeing the doctor on a regular basis?" asks Luthen. “Are you getting your blood pressure checked? Do you see the dentist? Do you go to the eye doctor? Do you exercise and if you do, how often do you do that?"

If you're suffering from any symptoms that appear to be heart-related, it's imperative to call 911, so the process of diagnosis and treatment can begin immediately.


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