Health

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Samantha Harris not only dances with the stars but also interviews them for "The Insider."

Harris joined Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen to discuss her new gig as correspondent and substitute anchor for "The Insider" and the upcoming 8th season of "Dancing with the Stars" as well as her relationship with Woman's Day magazine's "Red Dress Awards".

Last night Harris was the co-emcee of the sixth annual "Red Dress Awards" to commemorate Go Red For Women month and the fight against heart disease.

"The proceeds benefit the The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The red dress helps raise awareness for women about the number one killer in women, which is heart disease. And it's something that I think we think of as a guy's disease, that men have heart attacks and heart disease, but you don't really realize as a woman just how incredible it could affect you and your personal life. So, we inspire women to sort of assess their own risks," Harris said.

She also suggests that women change their daily lives for a healthier lifestyle of eating, of diet and exercise.

"Is it personal to you? Why did you get involved? Does someone in your family have this?" Chen asked.

"I actually lost my grandfather in his early 60's to a heart attack. And so that's always been sort of in my mind of what heart disease can do and how it can affect the family. But to me, this red dress actually made me aware of the fact that it can actually affect so many women personally. And, obviously, with obesity in America being such a huge issue, it really goes hand-in-hand with heart disease, unfortunately," Harris said.

Harris will help kick off fashion week in New York City by walking the catwalk tomorrow.

There will be 20 women who are in TV, film, all walks of celebrity life paired up with 20 different designers.

"God help me!" Harris joked. "I'm walking a runway, which is frightening, I like to leave that to the professional models, but tomorrow is a really special big fashion show in Bryant Park which, of course, is where fashion week is. It kicks off all of fashion week."

Harris is paired up with fashion designer David Meister, who she considers
"an incredible designer." She has worn his designs for many awards shows and on "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Insider" as well.

"We sort of collaborated and designed a dress from scratch. The amazing part is two weeks - from sketch to finished product, he turned out this gorgeous gown I get to wear tomorrow," Harris gushed.

Harris and Chen practiced their catwalks in the studio.

"What I'm wondering is if Katie Couric will do that walk. She's also walking in the fashion show," Harris said.

"She's great at everything she does. Whether she does or doesn't, you and her will do great," Chen replied.

Harris is also thrilled to be a part of "The Insider."

"I'm so ecstatic to be part of the team. Lara Spencer is the host and it's been a delight to work with her. We basically are covering every angle of the midst of Oscar and awards season," Harris said.

Harris will be attending the Oscars, but doesn't have her dress picked out just yet.

"What are you wearing to the Oscars?" Chen asked.

"It's on the 22nd, so we're days away from the Oscars and I still don't know. I haven't had a final fitting. I have no clue what I'm going to wear. It's got to be something fabulous because when you're standing there next to Brangelina and the other gorgeous people hitting the carpet, you want to look at least up to par," Harris admitted.

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