Written by Carolyn Maschke

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a man’s disease, around the same number of women as men die from it each year in the United States.

To help raise awareness about the toll heart disease takes on women, the Dougherty County Health Department, the Albany (GA) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Albany Technical College are hosting “An Affair of the Heart” on Feb. 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Building at Albany Technical College.

Keynote speaker Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant will present an overview of the disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., including African-Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics.

“One in four American women die of heart disease, and most fail to make the connection between risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol and their personal risk of developing heart disease,” said Dougherty County Health Department Manager Vamella Lovett. “We know educating women pays off.”

“Reservations are required to ensure adequate seating and food. Please RSVP by calling 430-6200 by Feb. 24,” Lovett said.

For more information about heart disease, contact the Dougherty County Health Department or go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org.