Louisiana State University Coaches Lead Effort to Promote Women’s Heart Health and Tourism: All You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking initiative, Louisiana State University (LSU) and 19 head women’s basketball coaches from across the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have come together to tackle one of the most significant health threats facing women today: cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effort, led by LSU’s Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, aims to raise awareness about heart disease and its prevention, while also tying the message to tourism and travel, emphasizing the importance of women’s health in destinations that prioritize wellness.

Raising Awareness: NCAA Coaches at the Forefront

The Hearts on the Court Collective is a powerful collaboration between the American Heart Association (AHA) and NCAA women’s basketball coaches. These coaches, some of the most influential figures in college sports, are leveraging their platforms to promote heart-health messages during the women’s basketball season. This public service initiative, spearheaded by Mulkey, will reach millions of fans and athletes, encouraging them to take heart health seriously.

The Importance of the Initiative

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, claiming over 440,000 lives each year. Alarmingly, nearly 45% of women aged over 20 are living with some form of CVD, yet many are unaware of its risks. According to the AHA, up to 80% of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education. This campaign focuses on preventing heart disease through better awareness, promoting healthy living, and encouraging women to take charge of their health, particularly during life stages like pregnancy and menopause that affect cardiovascular risk.

How the Campaign Will Impact Women’s Health and Tourism

This campaign’s influence extends beyond health. By tying the initiative to the power of women’s sports, especially basketball, the AHA’s Go Red for Women movement aims to inspire action from women of all ages, athletes, and fans alike. It is a timely reminder that heart health is just as important for women athletes as it is for the general public. The involvement of coaches like Mulkey amplifies the message, making it resonate across diverse communities.

As the campaign unfolds, the involvement of NCAA coaches will create opportunities for sports tourism to thrive. Fans traveling to watch women’s basketball games will now engage in conversations about heart health, further tying sports tourism to women’s wellness. Destinations offering wellness tourism packages—focused on health, fitness, and education—are likely to see increased interest as a result of this awareness campaign. Health-conscious travelers will likely seek destinations with wellness-oriented activities, from fitness retreats to heart-health programs, enhancing tourism growth in these areas.

Coaches Championing the Cause

The campaign brings together some of the most respected names in NCAA women’s basketball, including:

• Kim Mulkey – Head coach at LSU and chair of the Collective
• Katie Abrahamson-Henderson – University of Georgia
• Courtney Banghart – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Jennie Baranczyk – University of Oklahoma
• Cori Close – UCLA

These leaders will participate in PSA campaigns on social media, sharing their personal heart health stories and encouraging their followers to adopt healthy habits. Through their outreach, the coaches will emphasize the importance of monitoring key health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and the need for regular physical activity and healthy eating.

Boosting Heart Health Through Travel and Wellness

This campaign holds immense potential for growth in wellness tourism, where destinations focusing on heart health and general wellness will become increasingly attractive to travelers. As more women seek heart-healthy travel experiences, destinations that offer health retreats, fitness programs, and wellness tourism packages will be able to tap into a growing market of conscious travelers. These tourists are not just interested in the destination but also in improving their health, especially when it’s supported by an active community.

The Path Forward: A Heart-Healthy Future for Women

The AHA’s Hearts on the Court Collective aims to spark long-term change. By integrating health messages into women’s sports, the initiative is fostering a more health-conscious generation of women, athletes, and tourists. As awareness of heart disease grows, more women will prioritize their health, creating a ripple effect that will benefit the broader tourism industry.

A Stronger Voice for Women’s Heart Health

In a world where women’s heart health is still under-recognized, the Hearts on the Court Collective offers an impactful solution. By combining the authority of NCAA coaches and the reach of women’s basketball, this initiative provides a much-needed voice for women’s health and wellness tourism. As women across the country tune into the campaign, the hope is that it will not only encourage heart-healthy living but also create lasting opportunities for wellness tourism in destinations that embrace this message.

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