Northwest Arkansas ‘Go Red for Women’ event draws 1,000 supporters

Known as the silent killer, heart disease claims one woman’s life every 80 seconds outpacing the deaths of all forms of cancer. To help change that reality, more than 1,000 people donned red clothing and donated to the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon held in Rogers Thursday (Feb. 23).

The theme of this year’s event “Life is Why,” was depicted by survivors, caretakers and several advocates, including Fayetteville native and Miss America Savvy Shields who delivered the keynote speech for the event.

Former Rep. Sue Scott, R-Rogers gave a testimony of her struggle after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure likely the result of a virus that attacked her heart, according to her physician Dr. Michael Green. Scott said when working in her husband’s campaign for judge in Benton County, she had a hard time keeping up with the other volunteers as she suffered from extreme fatigue and exhaustion. Knowing something wasn’t right she sought medical attention after swelling began in her extremities. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

She told the group the illness has made her more thoughtful and more thankful for the little things in life. The damage to her heart is permanent and she is awaiting a transplant and making the most of out every day she’s given.

“Everyday is a fight, but I’m thankful for the energy I have to get up and continue this battle,” Scott said, also thanking the countless supporter on her side through this battle.

Green said Scott had the presence of mind to listen to her body and seek medical attention, when so many times the early signs of heart disease are ignored. Scott reiterated to the audience to listen to their bodies and not ignore symptoms of constant fatigue, shortness of breath or unexplained swelling in the legs and feet, because all are associated with cardiovascular disease.

Lesley Lentz, a member of the Circle of Red support group from Northwest Arkansas, said she signed on as a caregiver and nurse at the age of 28 when her 31-year-old husband Robbie was diagnosed with congestive heart failure 10 years ago. At the time she was five months pregnant and had a four-year-old. The next decade was described as chaotic and harrowing as there were 20 visits to the emergency room, roughly 30 surgeries and over the decade about one year’s time was spent in the hospital. She said her young boys had seen their dad being defibrillated by emergency workers in their home on multiple occasions.

She said a year ago the family was in a dark place as Robbie was clinging to life in need of a heart transplant and the wait was long. But on Nov. 19, she said a donor heart was available as a caring person chose to give the biggest gift of all to a stranger. Lentz said her husband had been in Intensive Care for two months prior to the transplant but has since been given a new chance at life. Life Scott, Lentz said her husband, a former college athlete in seemingly great physical shape, suffered from an enlarged heart brought on by a virus that had previously attacked the organ. He collapsed while playing basketball in 2007 and that’s when his serious heart disease was discovered.

The final speaker for the event was Shields, who said her Miss America platform “Eat better, live better” is directly linked to heart health. Shields said she grew up in a home where wholesome foods were the norm but when she enrolled at the University of Arkansas and began eating more junk food she noticed her concentration levels were diminished and she battled depression issues.

Shields believes that was directly related to the non-healthy food she was eating. She said her goal for healthy lives is not about weight loss or dieting, but about every woman accepting their body as it is and then working to include healthier foods and fitness into their lifestyle. She subscribes to an 80/20 rule which allows for 80% of the food and drinks consumed are wholesome and healthy and just 20% being less healthy.

“I could definitely eat a bag of Oreos while watching TV, but an hour later I would still be hungry. The food today is chocked full of sugar in an effort to remove the fat. It may taste delicious but there is very little nutritional value to processed food today. If I were to try and eat a bag of apples I would be full after two because they contain nutrition a body needs and yet people will pay more for junk food than they will for a bag of apples,” Shields said.

Shields said she’s in a different state every 48 hours and it’s hard not to chow down on the cookies she’s offered while flying. She said water is her drink of choice and she guzzles it by the gallon because it also helps to keep her awake during hectic days.

As an ambassador, Shields said she is Miss Arkansas everywhere she goes even though her new title is Miss America. She is concerned for the health of Arkansans who rank No. 6 for obesity. Last year she said 187,000 new cases of congestive heart failure were diagnosed across the state and those numbers are expected to rise to 873,000 new cases by 2030.

“Those numbers are just astounding to me, but it’s not too late to try change the trajectory. Incorporating fitness into lifestyles and making better choices when it comes to food and beverages is the key,” she said.