First Lady Bolsters Awareness of Women’s Health

NEW YORK, N.Y. — On Feb. 1, First Lady Laura Bush delivered a speech at a Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Bryant Park.. The collection of red dresses is meant to heighten awareness of women’s health.
The following are Mrs. Bush’s remarks, provided by The White House:
“Welcome to Fashion Week 2008. February is American Heart Month, and today we’re here to see the Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection.
“The Heart Truth is this: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Since 2002 — when the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched the Heart Truth — I’ve seen the campaign spread to women about how to protect their hearts.
“Five years ago under these very tents, the Red Dress was introduced as the Heart Truth’s symbol, and nothing draws attention like a little red dress. This red dress is drawing women’s attention to heart disease. The Red Dress has inspired women to fit into smaller red dresses. It’s encouraged women to prevent heart disease by healthy eating, by getting regular exercise, by not smoking, by seeing their doctors for regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.
“The fashion community has supported the Red Dress project ever since the Heart Truth campaign was launched. And today, by designing and wearing these fabulous red dresses, you’re showing that being healthy never goes out of style.
“I’m proud to serve as the Heart Truth’s official National Ambassador, but I’m even more proud of the unofficial heart health ambassadors — the fashion designers, business leaders, doctors, advocates, and patients who are helping save women’s lives.
“Thanks to the sponsors of the Red Dress Collection for making this event possible. Thank you to the director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, for leading the Heart Truth campaign. Thanks to Fern Mallis for everything you’ve done to support the Red Dress project. (Applause.) And thanks to all of you for telling the Heart Truth.