Congress must address heart disease As a survivor of congenital heart defect, double bypass open-heart surgery at age 42, and an American Heart Association Go Red for Women survivor ambassador, I'm one of the fortunate ones. Heart disease and stroke claim the lives of nearly 14,000 New Jersey women annually. Too many mothers, sisters, daughters and friends die annually from these diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the leading health threat facing women today, and it is a problem Congress must address. Thank you Congressman Rush Holt for recently co-sponsoring the Heart for Women Act in honor of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day forWomen. If passed, this simple and cost-effective bipartisan legislation will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women. The Heart for Women Act will also expand Wisewoman, a program providing free heart disease and stroke screenings to lowincome, uninsured women not currently available in New Jersey. This program must be offered nationwide to give women the number one tool in fighting these diseases - the chance for early detection. I applaud Congressman Holt for his leadership as he now joins Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and Congressmen Mike Ferguson, Frank LoBiondo, Donald Payne, Christopher Smith, Jim Saxton, Albio Sires and Steve Rothman in their efforts to reduce the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke in women. Your support of the Heart forWomen Act shows you care about helping women like me live longer, stronger and healthier lives. Go Red! To raise awareness and celebrate life. Jeanette Scott Freehold American Heart Association