While the Miss America competition unfolds in West Palm Beach, Florida, contestants are using their platform to spotlight a critical health issue: heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) has teamed up with the pageant’s participants for a week‑long awareness campaign that emphasizes early detection, self‑advocacy, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Personal story underscores the message
Migdalia Rodriguez, a member of the 2026 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors, shared her harrowing experience to illustrate why women must take heart symptoms seriously. “I had months to live. That’s how serious it was,” Rodriguez told the crowd. She described how her early signs—fatigue, shortness of breath, and flu‑like symptoms—were initially dismissed as anxiety or asthma. After consulting a pulmonologist who brushed off her concerns, she persisted and eventually received a correct diagnosis.
Experts stress self‑advocacy
Heather Simpson, national senior lead for the AHA and Go Red for Women, emphasized that women’s heart symptoms often differ from the classic “male” presentation. “We say there’s not a typical symptom for certain conditions, but our biggest message is to make sure women are advocating for themselves and listening to their bodies,” Simpson said.
Common warning signs include unusual fatigue, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat. The AHA urges women to seek medical evaluation promptly, especially when symptoms feel out of the ordinary for their age or activity level.
Contestants add their voices
Miss Florida Teen, Sheridan Delegal, echoed the call for empowerment: “I think every single woman should be able to stand up for herself, listen to her own body, and be reassured through a medical sense.” Contestants across the competition are participating in panel discussions, social‑media campaigns, and community outreach events that promote mindfulness, stress reduction, and preventive care.
Why the partnership matters
The collaboration aligns with the AHA’s Go Red for Women initiative, which seeks to close the gender gap in heart‑health education and treatment. By leveraging the visibility of the Miss America pageant—a national event with a strong local presence in West Palm Beach—the campaign reaches a broad audience of young women and families.
Rodriguez hopes her story will inspire others to take control of their health before a crisis strikes. “Sharing my story is a way to inspire others to take control of their health,” she said.
Local impact
Beyond the national spotlight, the partnership brings resources to local health providers, schools, and community groups throughout Palm Beach County. Educational materials and free heart‑screening events are scheduled at community centers and churches, reinforcing the message that heart health is a shared responsibility.
As the Miss America contestants continue their competition, the AHA reminds women that early detection saves lives. By listening to their bodies, seeking professional advice, and adopting heart‑healthy habits, women can reduce the risk of a devastating diagnosis.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
