New York was painted red this past Wednesday night in celebration of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Campaign. The annual event helps raise awareness about cardiovascular health and, for actress and presenter Elisabeth Rohm, this year’s installment at Jazz at Lincoln Center took on a very personal and timely message.
Joining Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin’s mother, Nina, Rohm stressed the importance of learning hands-only CPR, referring to the recent defensive back’s on-field collapse, where he was resuscitated. “They did CPR right there on the field and his life was saved,” Rohm said as she thanked Nina for joining her on stage and bringing awareness to the cause.
Before the concert, which saw performances from Sheryl Crow and Rita Ora—as well as “red-dress moments” from Teri Hatcher, Kyle Richards, Gina Gershon, Folake Olowofoyeku, Chrishell Stause and Melissa Fumero, to name a few—Rohm shared a little bit more with us pre-show about why the message is so close to her heart.
“I have such a debt of gratitude to Go Red for Women, as well as the American Heart Association. I was orphaned by my mom passing from a heart attack when I was in my early 30s,” the 49-year-old says. “It has always been so amazing to have a way to annually celebrate her. I believe that we have to look out for each other. This organization is committed specifically to celebrating the lives of diverse women and acknowledging that heart disease is the number-one killer of women. We’re not done this year. We’re doing it again next year and the next year and the next year—more progress needs to be made when it comes to science and research and our heart health.”
For her own health, Rohm says she makes self-advocacy a priority.
“I exercise every day for an hour, just whatever that is. If I can only take a walk, I take a walk. I really believe in keeping your body moving, trying to get your weight in good shape, being healthy, not smoking. Just being an advocate for yourself. It’s not better to ignore it until you’re the one with a heart attack. Go to the doctor, test your cholesterol, be active. Don’t wait until there’s a problem. I think you can ward off a lot of problems by just going to your doctor once a year and knowing what’s going on with your body.
I also believe in getting good rest. Really allow yourself to sleep and heal and be quiet. Take time to breathe and be with yourself. I love to take walks, but I go easy. Be gentle with yourself—don’t be your worst enemy! Don’t let the demons inside your head tear you apart. If anybody’s going to be the person who loves you the most, it should be you. Do whatever it takes to feel supported by yourself. Drink a lot of water, try not to have too big of a hangover—have some martinis or whatever, but balance! Do what makes you happy, enjoy!”
Also on Rohm’s enjoyment list now: Two specific beauty brands.
“I’m really down for Hourglass right now! I love everything about that line; I am a big fan. Bobbi Brown is a friend and I love Jones Road. I’m super excited about her next step.”
