This February, Easy Spirit footwear is pledging $25,000 to Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital to support research into women’s heart health, as part of the company’s #MoveForHeart initiative.
The campaign, now in its second year, aims to educate women about heart disease prevention and encourage them to prioritize their wellness through simple activities like walking, according to a press release. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, despite often being perceived as a primarily male health concern.
The funds will directly benefit the work of Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade, a cardiologist dedicated to improving heart disease prevention and treatment for women. Dr. Lala’s research focuses on the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond on the development of heart failure, specifically the stiffening of the heart that can lead to shortness of breath.
“This year’s donation will be dedicated to understanding the relationship between hormonal shifts and the development of stiffer hearts,” Dr. Lala stated. “it will be used to develop integrated treatment pathways for women with heart disease.”
Easy Spirit’s contribution will also support efforts to increase the enrollment of women in clinical trials investigating innovative heart disease therapies. Dr. Lala emphasized that women are often underrepresented in such trials, hindering the development of effective treatments tailored to their specific needs.
The #MoveForHeart campaign features a Limited Edition Move for Heart Collection of two hands-free, easy-on sneakers, with proceeds benefiting Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital.
Cardiologists recommend regular walking as a preventative tool, noting that at least 30 minutes of daily walking can lower the risk of cardiovascular events by 35% and reduce overall mortality by 30%. Brisk walking for 150 minutes a week can also reduce the likelihood of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes, improving overall cardiovascular health.
Experts also stress the importance of a heart-healthy diet, emphasizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which includes a high intake of fruits and vegetables and limits red meat. Limiting saturated fat, excess sodium, added sugars, and tropical oils is also crucial, according to Dr. Corey Bradley, a preventive cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Beyond physical health, maintaining strong social connections is increasingly recognized as vital for heart health, linked to lower stress levels and healthier habits. Conversely, loneliness has been associated with higher rates of heart disease, particularly in older adults and women.
Managing stress through activities like walking, deep breathing, mindfulness, or setting boundaries is also recommended. Knowing and monitoring blood pressure is critical, as high blood pressure often presents no symptoms but can damage vital organs over time. Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120/80 mm Hg, while readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher indicate high blood pressure.