DULUTH - A dozen Northland women are beginning a Heart Health Makeover Challenge Tuesday.

Over the next twelve weeks, the twelve women will get expert help to make lifestyle changes.  The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women program picked the twelve from 266 applicants.

Many of the women chosen for the challenge have a family history of heart problems.  Janell Lemire's father died of congestive heart failure, and two of her siblings have had heart bypass surgery.

"I just think what they're doing is really wonderful that they're giving, even if its just twelve of us, an opportunity to really get smart about our hearts and maybe we can help educate, you know, the community," Lemire said.

Go Red for Women chairperson Marti Buscaglia said the program is not necessarily about losing weight.  "Lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, or losing weight and getting fit.  Just things that will make you healthier from a heart point of view," Buscaglia said.

The twelve women will blog about their experiences at northlandgored.blogspot.com.  The American Heart Association will announce a winner at its Go Red for Women luncheon on March 3.