The local chapter of the American Heart Association kicked off its 2008 "Go Red For Women" campaign on Tuesday morning. “Go Red for Women" is a national effort to teach women about cardiovascular disease and how to assess their own risk factors for heart attack or stroke.

“Know your numbers, what your cholesterol level is, your blood pressure, what the normal things are that you should be watching, what your optimum weight is, your body mass index,” said Candy Letterman of the American Heart Association.

A "Go Red for Women" luncheon is planned for September.

To learn more about protecting yourself from heart disease or to get involved in "Go Red for Women," call the American Heart Association at (417) 881-1121.