February is National Heart Month, and later this morning, Freeman Health System in Joplin will hold an event to bring attention to heart disease and how it affects women. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. And just over half of women recognize the threat of cardiovascular disease and that if left undiagnosed, it could put their lives at risk. It is important to know how to spot the warning signs of a heart attack and get medical help right away. For women, the warning signs are different from those for men.

Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker will join employees in wearing red today to raise awareness of heart disease and its warning signs during Go Red for Women. The American Heart Association celebration is part of American Heart Month, celebrated each February. Today, the event will take place at Freeman’s Heart & Vascular Institute at 10 am. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro