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Singapore Heart Foundation Celebrates Women This International Woman’s Day at the Go Red for Women Luncheon 2019
Singapore, 8 March 2019 – To celebrate the success and progress of women this International Women’s Day, the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) organised the 2nd edition of the Go Red for Women Luncheon 2019, which saw 220 women from all walks of life, come together at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre today. Following the theme “Celebrate Women, Celebrate Life”, the event served as an important reminder for women to make their heart health a top priority.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. In 2017, 28.2% of female deaths in Singapore were due to CVD, which is about 1 out of 3 female deaths. Participants of the luncheon were treated to a healthy four-course lunch and attended health talks by healthcare experts from National University Heart Centre Singapore (NUHCS), who shared insights on women’s heart health and useful tips on leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Dr Goh Ping Ping, Chairperson for Go Red for Women and SHF Board Member shared, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to remind all women that cardiovascular disease is not a male-only disease. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, regardless of gender. With women being the main caretakers of households in Singapore, we hope that they will also take the time to look after themselves. Through the annual Go Red for Women campaign and today’s luncheon, we would like to encourage more women to learn the importance of taking care of their hearts and empower them to make small easy changes for a heart healthier lifestyle.”
Wearing our Hearts on our Sleeves
During the luncheon, participants witnessed a spectacular display of fiery red dresses as part of a mini fashion show, organised in collaboration with fashion brand and main sponsor, SaturdayClub. The fashion show showcased a selection of 10 specially curated red dresses, designed by SaturdayClub. SaturdayClub also pledged to donate 2% of its net proceeds for every apparel purchased in the month of March. In addition, SHF has donated 1,000 pieces of Go Red for Women dress pins, which will be distributed to SaturdayClub’s customers upon purchase of their apparels.
Mr Ying Tze Her, Chief Operating Officer of SaturdayClub said, “To me, the red dress serves as a reminder of the higher standards that our customers hold us to. From our designs, fabric quality and right down to customer service. Just as we raise to the challenge, we would like to appeal to our customers to be as demanding of their own heart health. This is our little way to help them to stay beautiful, both inside and out.”
Manulife Singapore: Stop the Drama campaign
In collaboration with SHF, Manulife launched the “Stop the Drama” campaign, featuring a video with veteran actor, Lim Kay Tong, who has had personal experiences on heart attacks with his family members. Through a Masterclass, Mr Lim shared how young actors need to depict the real symptoms of a heart attack, and not just a crushing chest pain, which we are used to seeing on-screen.
The campaign aims to debunk the common misconception that heart attack symptoms are as dramatic as what we see in TV shows and movies, so as to raise awareness about what a real heart attack looks like. TV shows and movies often depict dramatic and typical heart attack symptoms. However, in reality, men and women may experience different symptoms of a heart attack. Women, more often than not, experience uncommon symptoms such as an ache in the jaw, back or neck pain, shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea or lightheadedness.
In his speech at the luncheon, Dr Khoo Kah Siang, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore, said: “Manulife has a global strategic partnership with the World Heart Federation, of whose local chapter is the Singapore Heart Foundation. With this partnership, our aim is to bolster awareness of cardiovascular disease, and to increase cardiovascular disease prevention efforts.”
