Kirsten Flory is chairwoman of the 2011 Go Red For Women Luncheon & Expo. She can answer questions about the Feb. 11 event as well as tips about how to be more heart healthy. Coeli Baker, development director for the American Heart Association, also will be participating.
February is American Heart Month, and the goal is to raise awareness about America’s No. 1 killer.
Flory received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Kansas University and works for KU Credit Union. She is married to Dale Flory, and they live in rural Baldwin City with their two children.

Moderator

We have Kirsten Flory and Coeli Baker, of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Luncheon & Expo, here today. Thank you for coming in today to answer questions about heart health. I am health reporter Karrey Britt and will be moderating this chat.

Kirsten_Flory

Thank you so much for having us here today to chat. We appreciate the opportunity to share the mission of Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association.

Moderator

Let’s start by telling residents about the Go Red luncheon? What is it? How can women get involved?

Kirsten_Flory

The Go Red for Women is a fairly new program with the American Heart Association, and we have been holding luncheons in Lawrence for the past few years. This year’s luncheon is on Friday, February 11 at The Oread Hotel. Women can register for the luncheon by going to www.lawrencegored.org

Kirsten_Flory

The luncheon itself features an Expo, with Lawrence Memorial Hospital providing free cholesterol screens, and silent auction.

Moderator

Can people go to the expo for free? How much is the event and where does the money go?

Kirsten_Flory

The event (including the Expo) is $50 per person, and tickets are also available through corporate sponsorship. The funds generated by the event fund research and education efforts right here in Lawrence, KS for the American Heart Association.

Bassetlover

Have you or any of your family members experienced heart disease?

Kirsten_Flory

I am fortunate that I haven’t myself or had a family member experience heart disease. I do have a number of family members who struggle with high cholesterol, weight, and stress that are at high risk for heart disease, and that is where my passion lies for this cause.

ChristyLittle

What are indicators of heart disease in women under 40?

Kirsten_Flory

Great question! The symptoms for women are much different than men. Some things like: feeling tired, dizzy, pain between the shoulder blades, indigestion are common. Sometimes, the symptoms are what you would typically think of heart disease (pain in your arm, chest,etc.) Younger women don’t tend to think of themselves as “at risk” for heart disease. Genetics also plays a role in your risk factor.

kbjohnson51

At 52 I had a heart test (scan & treadmill) and everything was great. I come from a family of heart disease (parents and siblings) so how often should I get checked for this? I do not want to wait until I have a heart attack to find out!
Thanks!

Kirsten_Flory

You need to have an annual check up with your primary care physician and work as a team to make sure you identify any changes to your health.

Moderator

Last year, the keynote speakers provided very moving and emotional stories about how heart disease had affected them. Who is this year’s speaker?

Kirsten_Flory

This year’s speaker is Michelle Derusseau. She survived a heart attack in 2003, and has a very inspiring story to share.

ahyland

What’s been the push recently to focus on women’s heart health? What inspires you to devote your energy in this area?

Kirsten_Flory

As a mother of two, a wife, sister, daughter, friend…I particularly want to be healthy for my active lifestyle. Heart disease is something that is preventable, and that is what empowers me. If we don’t take care of ourselves, than we can’t be there for the ones we love in our lives.

Moderator

Is the luncheon part of the national Go Red campaign? What is the campaign? How can people participate if they may not be able to attend the luncheon?

Kirsten_Flory

Yes! 🙂 The Go Red Campaign is “Make it Your Mission to tell 5 Women.” If we can each tell 5 women in our lives about how to prevent / treat / take action against heart disease and stroke, then we are well on our way to success! You can also set up your own personal fundraising pages online to support the cause at www.lawrencegored.org.
We are also working with a number of local businesses to support the Go Red movement throughout the month of February.

bhawley

How much do I need to worry about heart disease if it runs in my family? Many of my family members have problems with irregular heartbeats and larger problems, and I want to know if I can do anything to help prevent problems later.

Kirsten_Flory

Thanks for your question. Genetics do play a role in your heart health. Manage your stress, eat a healthy diet, regular exercise are all good tools to focus on. Visit with your primary care physician can help identify risk factors.

Moderator

What do you do to stay heart healthy?

Kirsten_Flory

As much as I hate to do it, I schedule in exercise time every week, read labels on all food, and try to cook as many meals as possible at home. There is a lot to be said about eating healthy and the example it sets for your children. I want them to see me living a healthy lifestyle.

Moderator

Speaking of healthy eating, what are your tips? What foods should you avoid?

Kirsten_Flory

High sodium foods (like in most processed, boxed or canned foods) raise your blood pressure. Your diet benefits from a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. I have gotten into the habit of having oatmeal for breakfast each morning, and am proud to say (along with regular exercise) that I have lowered my cholesterol by 30 points this past year.

Moderator

That’s great! How do you fit cooking and exercise in? What do you do for exercise?

Kirsten_Flory

Cooking for our family, is all about planning. I visit the grocery store once a week with a list, and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and work out a menu to incorporate them during the week. Sometimes meals are as simple as taking your favorite dish (let’s say chili) and substituting Turkey in for the Ground Beef. As far as exercise, I have to make an appointment on my calendar just like I would a meeting, and stick to it. I also encourage you to take advantage of any Wellness programs that your employer offers to get moving.

Kirsten_Flory

Cooking for our family, is all about planning. I visit the grocery store once a week with a list, and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and work out a menu to incorporate them during the week. Sometimes meals are as simple as taking your favorite dish (let’s say chili) and substituting Turkey in for the Ground Beef. As far as exercise, I have to make an appointment on my calendar just like I would a meeting, and stick to it. I also encourage you to take advantage of any Wellness programs that your employer offers to get moving.

Moderator

Does AHA have any connection with the Let’s Move campaign, LiveWell Lawrence, or other local wellness events during the year?

Kirsten_Flory

AHA is in the process of getting involved with other organizations to promote healthy living. We welcome any collaborative partnerships and are looking to develop more for 2012.

Moderator

Why does AHA seem to focus more on women than men — when heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both?

Kirsten_Flory

The research efforts for AHA are across the board for both men and women. Go Red is a specific cause initiative of the AHA for women. Other causes supported by AHA are: The Power to End Stroke campaign – geared towards the African American and Hispanic communities, the START! cause initiative is focused on motivating employers to encourage employees to be heart healthy, and be fitness friendly.

Moderator

There are no more questions. Thanks for taking time to come in today.

Kirsten_Flory

Thank you! We encourage you to support Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association at www.lawrencegored.org. Support AHA on Friday, February 4 for “National Wear Red Day.”

Tickets for the February 11 luncheon are selling out now, and can also be purchased at the door or by calling (913)652-1911

For more information on the Go Red movement, and women’s health go to: www.goredforwomen.org.

For a free health assessment, visit the American Heart Association’s www.mylifecheck.org