Women In Government Actions
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States and kills more women then men each year. Women In Government has made achieving gender-specific treatment for the disease a priority by featuring it at both the First and Second Summits of the Offices of Women’s Health. As a direct result of their participation in the summit, five legislators indicated that they planned to engage in cardiovascular disease prevention activities including Red Dress Day and other heart health events in their states. Additionally, former Women In Government President Susan Crosby received “The Heart of Indiana Award” for her work on women and cardiovascular disease in February 2005.
Women In Government's dedication to the issue of cardiovascular disease remains strong. The 2006 Outreach to Vulnerable Constituents Legislative Training Session featured a segment on the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Health Disparities. In addition, Women In Government hosted four Legislative Training Sessions in 2006 addressing Cardiovascular Disease in Women. At these training sessions, legislators were given the opportunity to record a public service announcement regarding cardiovascular disease to be aired in their districts. Furthermore, each of the 2006 Women In Government Regional Conferences featured a segment on disparities in cardiovascular disease.
Recent Events
November 2011
At Women In Government’s Second Annual Healthcare Summit, one session discussed the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women, as well as the ways in which gender-specific treatment of heart disease can promise longer, healthier lives for both women and men. Jerri Anne Johnson is the Director of the Women’s Heart Health Initiative at Abbott Vascular. In this role, she works with patient groups, medical societies, healthcare providers, and other organizations to promote awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of women. She spoke about the key areas of focus for the Women’s Heart Health Initiative, which includes: building partnerships with cardiologists and OB/GYNs to drive screening and cardiovascular disease risk factor management in women; developing educational programs to build awareness in South Asia; and promoting awareness and education about peripheral artery disease. For more information, please view her presentation here.
October 2011
Women In Government featured atrial fibrillation at the 12th Annual Southern Regional Conference. This session provided an overview of the atrial fibrillation and recent medical developments, with a particular focus on heart disease and cardiovascular health. Jusy Walling, the featured speaker, also showcased statistics and state report cards recently released on heart health. Judy Walling is a board certified nurse practitioner and has been for the last 11 years. She has been working at the Medical University of South Carolina for the last 8 years as an arrhythmia specialist. She works with 3 electro-physiologist who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple abnormal heart rhythms. She spoke about the potential signs of atrial fibrillation, the fact that sometimes there are no signs, and how people should be aware of how this could affect them. For more information, please view her presentation here.
August 2011
At Women In Government’s 13th Annual Eastern Regional Conference, atrial fibrillation was a topic of discussion. The session provided an overview of the disease and recent medical developments, with a particular focus on heart disease and cardiovascular health featuring Barbara Bentz. Ms. Bentz has 23 years of experience in caring for cardiac patients. She currently practices as a Nurse Practitioner at Penn State Hershey Medical Center specializing in Electrophysiology. Ms. Bentz attended Pennsylvania State University where she received both her bachelors and master’s degree in Nursing. She is an active member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and has served on their electrophysiology committee for six years. She has presented on atrial fibrillation at ACC’s national meeting and has published multiple articles on cardiac issues. For more information, view her presentation here.
July 2011
At the 18th Annual Midwestern Regional Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, atrial fibrillation was a featured topic. Kari Smith, MSN, CNP spoke about her work as an electrophysiology nurse practitioner at united hospital and provided an overview of the disease and recent medical developments, with a particular focus on heart disease and cardiovascular health. To view her presentation, please click here.
June 2011
At the 14th Annual Western Regional Conference in Denver, Colorado, Women In Government featured a presentation by Kathy Berra, MSN, NP, FAHA, FAAN from the Stanford Prevention Research Center on atrial fibrillation. The session provided an overview of the disease and recent medical developments, with a particular focus on heart disease and cardiovascular health. Ms. Berra reccomended healthy choices as seen through the government program, choose my plate, and various other websites such as portion distortion.
January 2011
Atrial fibrillation was featured at Women In Government's 17th Annual State Director's Conference & Ninth Biennial First-Term Legislators Conference. Dr. Vilma Torres, MD, FACC provided an overview of the disease and recent medical developments, with a particular focus on heart disease and cardiovascular health. Her presentation can be seen here.
Conference Materials
Presentations from Women In Government's First and Second National Summits of "State Offices of Women's Health and Legislative Champions on Cardiovascular Disease in Women"
Additional Resources
Meta Description:
Heart Disease, Atrial Fibrilation
