Fashion Show to Raise Awareness of Women’s Heart Health

SPRINGFIELD — The American Heart Assoc. (AHA), the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, and the Eastfield Mall have announced a joint venture to help raise awareness of the risks of heart disease in women. On Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m., a Go Red Fashion Show will take place in Macy’s Court, featuring clothing and accessories in the association’s signature color, red.

Several retailers at the Eastfield Mall will provide garments, shoes, and accessories for the 50 models who will walk the runway.

Models will include local corporate executives, heart survivors, and AHA volunteers, including some of the 2009 Go Red Leading Ladies of Western Mass. and the Little Faces of Heart children. The Go Red Leading Ladies are women who are ambassadors for the Go Red for Women movement, many of whom are heart-disease survivors. The Little Faces of Heart children are kids with congenital heart defects or those who have made a heart-healthy difference in their community.

Prior to and after the fashion show, mall guests will have the opportunity to receive free blood-pressure and glucose screenings courtesy of RiverBend Medical Group. Information will also be available on the risks and prevention of heart disease and stroke, and there will be a raffle of Go Red merchandise.

Those who sign up for Go Red For Women will receive a 2009 Go Red For Women Cookbook (while supplies last). Mall guests will also have the opportunity to purchase Springfield Falcons Hockey tickets to the Feb. 20 Go Red Night game at the MassMutual Center, with a portion of the proceeds going to Go Red For Women. Information on the 2009 Pioneer Valley Heart Walk will be available as well.

For more information on the fashion show, call the Eastfield Mall at (413) 543-8000 or the American Heart Assoc. at (413) 827-0400. For more information on Go Red for Women, visit www.goredforwomen.org.