Friday, February 25, 2011

Community Change Maker

Pick up an issue of "skirt!" magazine, on newstands in Memphis on March 1, 2011, and visit http://skirt.com/ to see me featured as one of Memphis' "Community Change Makers."  I am honored to be included in this issue, and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be at least a bit of the change I want to see in this world.

Make your mark of kindness and caring on this world!

God Bless,
Mary-Marsha Riley 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Amazing American Heart Month

I am so excited about the coverage American Heart Month has received this month.  Due to the tireless work of so many across this country, more women than ever before are becoming aware of the dangers of heart disease and learning how to reduce their risk. 

I am honored to have been named a spokeswoman for the Memphis Area Go Red for Women Chapter.  I have appeared on television twice this month to tell the story of my dad's heart scare which not only encouraged him to become heart healthy, but also served to make me realize that this disease, commonly considered an older man's disease, is actually the leading killer of women.  I am energized by my work with Go Red for Women, and I am excited about the future progress our Memphis Chapter will accomplish.

Our Executive Leadership Team is busy planning our Go Red for Women Girls' Night Out which will be held on May 10, 2011.  We are also planning a dinner, spa night, and movie night for our Circle of Red Members.  I will be back on the news here in Memphis in April educating women about the importance of exercise in reducing the risk of heart disease.  And, next month, I will be featured in "skirt! Magazine" here in Memphis as one of Memphis' Community Change Makers.

This is an exciting time, and I am honored to have the opportunity to create positive change and raise awareness about a disease that affects so many.
Fellow Memphis Area Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team member, Tina Dickinson-Jones, and me at our February Circle of Red Cocktail Party on February 17, 2011.
Dr. Arie Szatkowski and me in the "Green Room" immediately after sharing our personal heart health stories on Action 5 News in Memphis on February 19, 2011.
Me immediately before going "on air" to discuss the dangers of heart disease and promote Go Red for Women on Fox 13's "Good Morning Memphis" on February 8, 2011.   

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day from Georgia Aveune Elementary School

I was lucky enough to spend my Valentine's Day making kids smile at Georgia Avenue Elementary School in Memphis.  My team threw a wonderful party for the kids that was full of laughs, candy, cupcakes, and love.  Spending time with these at risk kids, helping them believe in themselves, and showing them there is a better life; a bigger life, available to them, is amazing.
Me and my team of kind volunteers with some of the amazing kids proudly displaying the Valentine's Day cards they made for their loved ones.
Jeremy with the card he lovingly made for his mom.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

American Heart Month

I am so happy with the coverage American Heart Month and Go Red for Women are receiving across the nation this month!  Women all over our nation are hearing a message that can save their lives.  I was lucky to be able to play a small role in raising awareness of the dangers of heart disease yesterday on "Good Morning Memphis" broadcasted on Fox Channel 13 here in Memphis.  While the dangers are real and undeniably scary, I was happy to spread the good news that 80% of cardiac events in women are preventable if we make simple heart healthy decisions.  Eat right, exercise, and above all...do not smoke!  See my "Good Morning Memphis" segment in full by visiting the link below, and tune in for a more detailed discussion of heart health when I am interviewed on WMC-TV Channel 5 on the morning of February 19.

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/good_morning/020811-knowing-your-heart-health

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

February is American Heart Month

Did you know that 90% of women have AT LEAST one risk factor that could lead to heart disease?  One in 3 women every year die of heart disease.  For too long heart disease has been regarded as an "older man's disease."  The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative is trying to change that perception and encourage women to pay attention to their heart and their health.  February is American Heart Month.  Make it your mission to become informed about the risk factors of heart disease, and do not forget to wear red on Friday, February 4, to increase awareness of the danger of heart disease.

And, tune in to HBQ- Channel 13 here in Memphis on the morning of February 8, and to WMC-TV Channel 5 on the morning of February 19, to hear me talk more about the dangers of heart disease, what we can do to reduce our risk factors, and I will provide information about the upcoming events sponsored by Memphis Area Go Red for Women.  I have also attached the link to the AHA Go Red for Women website to this post, and I encourage you to visit the site and learn more about what you can do to lower your risk of heart disease.