Why Heart Health Is Women’s Health Resilience, Awareness, and the Power of Prevention
In honor of Wear Red for Women Day – Friday, February 6
When we talk about women’s health, conversations often focus on hormones, bone density, or mental well-being. All of those matter—but there’s one vital topic that still doesn’t get the attention it deserves: heart health.
On Friday, February 6, we join the American Heart Association in recognizing Wear Red for Women Day, a national movement to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. More women die from heart disease each year than from all forms of cancer combined—yet many still don’t see themselves at risk.
At Studio in the Heights, heart health isn’t just a statistic or a headline. It’s personal. It’s lived experience. And it’s a reminder that caring for your heart means caring for your whole self—body, mind, and community.
A Message of Resilience from Coach Lisa
February has always held deep meaning for Coach Lisa. It’s a month that honors Black history, resilience, and achievement, while also marking National Heart Month—a time dedicated to education, prevention, and awareness around cardiovascular health.
For Lisa, these themes are inseparable.
In 2010, at age 49, she made history as the first African American woman to compete in the Race Across America, one of the most physically demanding endurance cycling events in the world. It was the pinnacle of her athletic career—a testament to grit, discipline, and the belief that age does not define potential.
But just five years later, everything changed.
Lisa learned she had been born with a congenital heart defect, a diagnosis that came as a shock to someone who had built her life around fitness and performance. That diagnosis led to open-heart surgery, forcing her to confront vulnerability in a way she never had before.
Recovery wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and mental. For someone used to pushing limits, slowing down felt unfamiliar and humbling. Healing required patience, trust, and a willingness to celebrate progress measured in inches rather than miles.
That experience reshaped Lisa—not just as an athlete, but as a coach.
Why Women’s Heart Health Is Often Overlooked
One of the most dangerous myths around heart disease is that it’s a “men’s issue.” In reality, heart disease affects women differently—and is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later.
According to the American Heart Association, women may experience symptoms that look nothing like the “classic” chest pain we’re taught to watch for. Symptoms in women can include:
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Jaw, neck, or back pain
Fatigue or dizziness
Because these signs are more subtle, many women delay seeking care—or are dismissed when they do.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 5 female deaths in the U.S. is due to heart disease, making education and early prevention critical.
👉 Learn more from the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
From Survival to Service: Coaching with Heart
Lisa’s journey through heart surgery gave her something no certification ever could: deep empathy.
She understands what it feels like to be told to slow down.
She understands fear, frustration, and the mental hurdles that come with recovery.
And she understands the doubts many women—especially those over 50—carry when they believe it’s “too late” to prioritize their health.
It’s why her coaching philosophy centers on progress, not punishment. On meeting people where they are. On honoring the body for what it can do today while gently building toward what’s possible tomorrow.
Eleven years ago, Lisa became a proud member of the Zipper Club—a global community of heart surgery survivors. That milestone isn’t just a personal celebration; it’s a reminder that resilience thrives in community, and healing is never meant to happen alone.
Nutrition Matters: Heart-Healthy Foods That Truly Support You
Movement is powerful—but what we eat plays an equally important role in heart health. Research continues to show that diet directly impacts blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular risk.
According to the CDC and National Institutes of Health, heart-healthy eating patterns can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
👉 Learn more from the NIH: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living
Here are some heart-smart foods we love and regularly encourage at the Studio:
🥬 Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and vitamin K—supporting artery health and proper blood clotting.
🌾 Whole Grains
Whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by up to 20% when eaten regularly.
🍓 Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
🥑 Avocados
High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
🐟 Fatty Fish
Salmon, tuna, and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids, linked to reduced heart disease risk and improved mood.
🌰 Nuts
Walnuts and almonds offer fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support heart health.
🍫 Dark Chocolate (Yes, Really)
In moderation (less than six servings per week), dark chocolate that is more than 70% cacao has antioxidants that may help lower heart disease risk.
🧄 Garlic
Contains allicin, a compound shown to help reduce blood pressure.
🫒 Olive Oil
A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in antioxidants that protect heart health.
🍵 Green Tea
Known for its anti-inflammatory antioxidants, green tea supports cardiovascular wellness.
Heart health isn’t about perfection—it’s about patterns. Nourishing foods most of the time, with room for enjoyment and balance.
The Power of Community in Heart Health
One of the most powerful—and often underestimated—tools for heart health is connection.
Studies show that people are more likely to maintain healthy habits when they feel supported and accountable. Community:
Encourages consistency
Reduces stress (a major heart risk factor)
Improves mental and emotional well-being
At Studio in the Heights, community is part of the medicine. Coaches who know your name. Classmates who notice when you’re gone. A shared understanding that everyone is navigating something—and that showing up, even imperfectly, matters.
Heart health isn’t just about what you do in an hour-long class. It’s about how supported you feel doing it.
Wear Red, Take Action
Wear Red for Women Day is about awareness—but it’s also about action.
It’s a reminder to:
Schedule the doctor’s appointment
Ask questions about your heart health
Move your body in ways that feel supportive
Nourish yourself consistently
Lean into community
Most of all, it’s a reminder that it’s never too late.
Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or rebuilding after a setback, your heart deserves care, patience, and respect.
This February—and every month—we invite you to choose resilience, choose nourishment, and choose support. Your heart has carried you this far. Let’s take care of it, together. ❤️
On Saturday February 28th at 1pm, Lisa will be running a class to support the American Heart Association. We’ll provide a link to donate as soon as it is available.
