January 10, 2019 — The American Society of Echocardiography Foundation (ASEF) has partnered with WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, to provide women with important information to help them better navigate the often complicated process of living with heart disease. ASEF has become a sponsor of WomenHeart’s Red Bag of Courage educational program that delivers heart health materials directly into the hands of women who need it most.
These gift bags are distributed by WomenHeart Champion volunteers who work through various avenues including hospitals, health fairs, speaking engagements and at the annual WomenHeart Wenger Awards dinner, among others. The items included in the bags contain educational information on an array of health, medical, dietary and fitness topics. This information is designed to help women better understand heart disease, how heart disease affects them, how to reduce risks, and how to live well with heart disease.
“We had the opportunity to meet some of the patients who have been involved with WomenHeart and hear their stories. When I learned of the Red Bag of Courage program, I immediately thought this would be a great opportunity to directly impact and educate women with heart disease on the importance and safety of cardiovascular ultrasound imaging,” said Robin Wiegerink, MNPL, chief executive officer of the American Society of Echocardiography. “Many people know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but many do not understand how cardiovascular ultrasound works, or the crucial role it can play in optimal patient care. It’s our hope that through increased awareness, and building an understanding of diagnostic imaging, we can educate and empower patients to confidently talk to their medical professionals about their health or the need for assessment.”
ASEF’s ‘Patient’s Guide to Heart Ultrasound’ document will be included in the 2019 Red Bags of Courage®. The flyer describes cardiovascular ultrasound, why a doctor would order one, how the procedure is conducted and what a heart ultrasound shows.
For more information: www.asefoundation.org, www.womenheart.org
July 22, 2024 
