By Laurie Edwards-Tate
As a woman and leader in my community, heart disease is something I take very seriously. It’s a matter close to my heart — literally.
For years, I have worked in leadership roles, whether as the president and CEO of At Your Home Familycare or as a local elected official, always striving to make a difference in the lives of others.
But over time, I’ve come to realize that my ability to help others begins with taking care of myself. And part of that is ensuring that my own heart remains healthy.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and yet it is largely preventable. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim the life of a woman every 80 seconds. What I’ve learned is that 80% of these deaths can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices — choices that many of us fail to make because we don’t understand the risks or think that it won’t happen to us.
That’s why I am committed to raising awareness about women’s heart health and support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.
I want to ensure that other women understand how simple, proactive steps can make a profound difference in their lives.
For me, it’s not just about advocacy, but also making heart health a priority in the midst of a busy life.
As a CEO, I spend a lot of time managing a company, making decisions that affect the lives of others and serving my community.
But no matter how packed my schedule gets, I carve out time every day to focus on my health. I’ve learned that regular exercise and healthy eating are key to staying strong — not just for myself but for those who depend on me.
I make it a point to incorporate physical activity into my day, whether it’s a walk during my lunch break or a more structured workout in the morning before I start my day.
I also pay careful attention to what I eat, making sure to incorporate heart-healthy choices like fresh fruits, vegetables and plenty of water.
These small actions add up to big results, not just for my heart, but for my overall well-being.
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life, but I’ve come to understand that without taking care of my own health, I won’t be able to help others. That’s why I’m speaking out today and sharing my story as part of the Go Red for Women campaign.
This movement was launched in 2004 with the goal of raising awareness about heart disease in women, and it has since become a powerful force for change. It’s not just about wearing red or sharing statistics — it’s about empowering women to take charge of their health.
The symptoms of heart disease in women can often be more subtle than what we see in men. Women may experience fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath instead of the classic chest pain that many associate with heart attacks.
This makes it harder to diagnose and treat in time. I believe it’s crucial for women to understand these signs, get regular screenings and know their risks. Prevention is far more powerful than treatment, and simple lifestyle changes can have a huge impact.
I want every woman to understand that they have the power to take control of their heart health. It starts with getting screened, staying active, eating a well-balanced diet and making heart-healthy choices.
As someone who has worked tirelessly for years to serve my community, I know that every woman deserves access to the information and resources she needs to take care of her heart.
The Go Red for Women campaign supports vital research, education and initiatives that help reduce the prevalence of heart disease and stroke among women. But this work cannot happen without support from all of us.
That’s why I’m calling on every woman to take a few simple actions today: Schedule a heart health screening, take time to exercise regularly, make heart-healthy food choices and get involved with your local American Heart Association.
Together, we can reduce the impact of heart disease and build healthier communities.
Laurie Edwards-Tate, M.S., is the CEO of At Your Home Familycare, an elected board member of the Palomar Healthcare District and a 2025 Woman of Impact nominee for the Go Red for Women campaign.
