Katy Goes Red for Heart
Local MP Katy Clark expressed her support for the British Heart Foundation’s Red for Heart Campaign, part of National Heart Month this February.
Katy said, “Heart and circulatory disease is Scotland’s biggest killer. According to some statistics the premature death rate in Scotland is 70% higher for men and 88% higher for women than the South West of England. ”
The British Heart Foundation carries out important research into Heart and Circulatory Disease, provides patient care and support, and provides people with information on healthier lifestyles that will reduce the risk of Heart Disease. The Scottish branch is particularly active, playing an important role in educating and training both the health sector and the public, providing vital cardiac equipment, and supporting patients with their specially trained BHF Scotland nurses.
Katy continued, “The work carried out by British Heart Foundation Scotland is invaluable. Heart disease is one of the biggest health challenges facing Scotland. The Red for Heart Campaign which is part of National Heart Month raises awareness of the problem and also encourages everyone to donate even just a small amount to this worthwhile charity.
“The latest figures for North Ayrshire and Arran show that it has the second highest prevalence rate for people living with Coronary Heart Disease, 5.45% of the population diagnosed as having Coronary Heart Disease. Furthermore, between 2005-2007 Coronary Heart Disease was the cause of death for 204 people under the age of 75 in Ayrshire and Arran. These figures are distressing, and illustrate the importance of the Red for Heart Campaign, and National Heart Month. Anyone can become involved in either this campaign or the work that the British Heart Foundation. I urge everyone to email red@bhf.org.uk, or visit their website bhf.org.uk, or call 0845 241 0976 to learn more and get involved.”
Jackie Steel, Head of National Campaigns at the British Heart Foundation, said, “Thanks to Katy Clark MP for going Red for Heart. Everyone can get involved and help make the British Heart Foundation make a real difference.”