Oftentimes, when people think of heart disease, women are forgotten although there is a very high mortality rate among women as a result of heart attacks and strokes. Imagine, over 8.6 million women globally die of heart attacks and stroke which, in fact, is more than the total number of women who die from all cancers, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Dr Sabita Harrikissoon, a director on the Trinidad and Tobago Heart Foundation (TTHF) Board and chairperson for the ‘The Go Red for Women Campaign’ in Trinidad and Tobago tells us the foundation has been incorporated since 1998 and has the principal objective of creating awareness of heart health, healthy lifestyles and proper dietary habits in an effort to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke. Its projects are self-financed largely from corporate sponsorship, donations from the public and fund raising.
Dr Harrikissoon explains that ‘The Go Red for Women Campaign’ is a health and wellness programme for women. With the mission to heighten awareness of cardiovascular disease, this campaign encourages action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together to collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and their related risk factors and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Red Dress logo and Go Red for Woman Campaign is now being used as a campaign globally with the involvement of international foundations. Also the campaign is promoted by organisations such as Coca Cola and Macy’s together with national heart foundations and the World Heart Federation.
Goals for the women in the ‘GO RED For Women Challenge’ are to:
• Follow an exercise routine
• Eat a healthier diet
• Visit the doctor for important tests
• Influence others by talking about heart health
The TTHF’s GO RED For Women High Tea and Fashion Show is the fundraiser that supports the Go Red for Women campaign this year. The goal of this event is to raise enough funds to finance The TTHF’s Go Red for Women campaign and at the same time promote heart health awareness to women across Trinidad and Tobago. This template is used by the World Heart Federation and the American Heart Association to generate awareness for the programme. This event itself aims to promote healthy lifestyle and healthy living and is usually attended by members of the diplomatic corps, members of government and corporate Trinidad and Tobago, members from international and local humanitarian and NGO fraternities as well as the public.
High tea and fashion shows provide a medium for mums, sisters, aunts and girlfriends to treat themselves to a culinary teaser and fashion trends. Gentlemen can treat the special ladies in their lives and are also welcome to attend. It is intended to promote women’s heart health in an atmosphere that is fun, relaxed and with great fellowship. This event is expected to give to attendees an evening of class in a beautiful ambience, serenaded with top local performers, vocal and instrumental with auditory stimulation from a cadre of hand picked artistry in the music industry.
There will be adequate visual stimulation to excite the minds of the ladies in attendance from leading fashion local designers. The afternoon tea promises a wonderful delectable selection of sweet and savory items crafted by the in-house Hyatt pastry chef. A paid bar offering wines will add to the enjoyment of tea plates.
If you want to know more about the TTHF, there is a quarterly newsletter which is sent to TTHF members and stakeholders advising of activities and events. For the rest of the public, you can visit there website which was recently re-launched for World Heart Day 2019 and is frequently updated with informative material on heart health. The TTHF also prints and distributes literature on heart health, adopting a healthy living and life style, as well as on hypertension, cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The TTHF is also known for hosting signature awareness events every year which stem from their 2 major campaigns: (1) The TTHF Healthy Living, Healthy Lifestyle campaign and (2) The Go Red For Women campaign and includes but is not limited to: -
• National Heart Walk and Health Fair
• Public and Company Lectures
• National World Heart Day event
• Annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Event
• Community Health Fairs and Outreach Programs
TTHF Directors: Mr. Ronnie Bissessar (President), Dr. Pravinde Ramoutar (Vice-President), Dr. Sabita Harrikissoon, Mrs. Joan Awardy (Treasurer), Ms. Risa Basdeo (Secretary), Mr. Skafte Awardy, Ms. Salma Nagir, Mr. Rishi Ramcharan,, Shaliza Maraj, Mr. Decoursey Redman, Ms. Linda Ramsawak, Ms. Kimberly Saugh.