NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Feb 6, 2012) - On February 15th, Woman's Day celebrates American Heart Month with a tribute to seven individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight against heart disease, a risk that remains the number one killer of women today. This year's Red Dress Awards will be held on Wednesday, February 15th at The Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. TODAY show co-host and Dateline NBC correspondent Hoda Kotb hosts the event, where Emmy award-winning Dr. Mehmet Oz, Star Jones and United States Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will be presented with the Woman's Day Red Dress Award for their efforts to increase awareness of heart disease.
"Woman's Day has been at the forefront of heart health awareness and education for years," said Susan Spencer, Woman's Day editor-in-chief. "The Red Dress Awards has been a platform for highlighting a disease that is still the leading cause of death for women in the United States. As a brand dedicated to improving the lives of all women, we hope to inspire many more to take charge of their heart health."
"We are immensely proud to announce our ninth annual Red Dress Awards," said Ginger Sutton, Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of Woman's Day. "Raising awareness for heart disease has been at the core of Woman's Day's mission and with each year, this event has continued to expand. This year, we're honoring seven outstanding individuals who have played an instrumental role in educating women about heart disease and promoting a healthy lifestyle."
As a professor at the Department of Surgery at Columbia University for over 10 years and as the director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary medicine Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Mehmet Oz has conducted research on heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery and health care policy. Through his Emmy award-winning television show, Dr. Oz reminds viewers exercising regularly, eating well and getting the right screenings are key components to reducing the risk of heart disease.
The 18th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will be honored for her work encouraging Americans to stay healthy. Nominated by President Barack Obama, she continues to place emphasis on protection and disease prevention.
Attorney, author, television personality and heart disease survivor Star Jones will be honored for her work with the American Heart Association after undergoing successful open-heart surgery in March 2010. In 2011, Star was named the American Heart Association's National Volunteer and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work as a heart health advocate.
Additionally, public health advocates Dr. Martha Gulati, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Public Health in the Division of Cardiology at Ohio State University; Laura Haywood-Cory and Katherine K. Leon, both Woman Heart Champions and heart disease survivors, and author and registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer will be honored with the Heart Healthy Award, presented by Chef Richard Blais on behalf of Campbell Soup Company.
"Campbell is pleased to support the Red Dress Awards and to recognize the great work of the honorees," said Eric Christianson, Vice President, Campbell Soup Company. "As a maker of nearly 100 delicious, heart-healthy foods, we share in their commitment to promote healthy lifestyles."
The evening will also include performances by Grammy® Award winning and multi-platinum group Sugarland; Javier Colon, winner of NBC's The Voice; a cappella sensation Naturally 7; and Violinist/DJ duo Caitlin Moe and Mia Moretti.
This year's event is sponsored by The Campbell Soup Company, UnitedHealthcare, The National Pork Board, the makers of Coricidin® HBP, Schiff MegaRed, Rosa Regale Red Sparkling Wine and Almond Board of California. LENOX will provide award for each of the honorees.
Tickets for the event are available at www.womansday.com/reddress2012. Ticket proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women.
The 2011 Red Dress Award honorees will be featured in the March issue of Woman's Day, on newsstands February 7th. For more information on Woman's Day Red Dress Awards, log onto www.womansday.com/reddress2012 or contact Sanam Ghanchi at 212.649.2585 or sghanchi@hearst.com. On February 15th, supporters can follow the awards on Facebook at Facebook.com/womansdaymagazine or on Twitter at @womansday, #RDA2012.
The 9th Annual Red Dress Awards are being produced by Scott Mauro Entertainment, Inc. for the fourth consecutive year.
About Woman's Day
The trusted friend of more than 20 million women, Woman's Day (www.WomansDay.com) offers readers simple strategies and thoughtful advice to make their lives better, easier and more fun. From staying healthy and fit to getting dinner on the table to pursuing their dreams, Woman's Day inspires readers to enjoy each moment, to celebrate the small triumphs and make each day a Woman's Day. In addition to the print publication, Woman's Day reaches readers through multiple platforms including WomansDay.com, m.womansday.com, Facebook, Twitter, digital editions and special interest publications. Woman's Day is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the nation's largest diversified media and information companies. Hearst Magazines publishes more than 300 editions around the world, including 20 U.S. titles. Hearst Magazines is the largest publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. (ABC 2011) and reaches 87 million adults (Spring 2011 MRI). Follow Woman's Day on Twitter at @womansday
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases -- America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
About Go Red For Women
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's solution to save women's lives. With one out three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premier source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedFroWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co. Inc.