Elizabeth Banks Directs Short Film for Heart Disease Campaign

Elizabeth Banks is urging busy moms to put their health first after directing a new short film about heart disease.

The actress recently signed on to star in Go Red For Women's short filmJust a Little Heart Attack, in which she portrays a mother so focused onmeeting the daily demands of her family, she ignores the signs of an imminent heart attack.

And new mom Banks hopes the project will serve as a reminder to women to slow down and be wary of their own health.

She tells Parade.com, "I thought it was a really strong idea that would appeal to women and be a great way to get the message out.

"We spoke to avery prominent female cardiac surgeon who said that she very rarely performs open-heart surgery on women because they don't make it to the table. I found that very fascinating.

"We take care of everyone in our lives except for ourselves.I found that to be true in my own life.

"I think it's just a quality that women all share - a little mothering quality that we all have.

"We literally do so many things before we get to our health. I just wanted to draw attention to that and make women think a little bit about taking care of themselves first".