National ‘Wear Red’ Day ~ Heart Disease Awareness

In efforts to raise Heart Disease awareness among women, the American Heart Association, along with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute created National Wear Red Day! Each year, on the first Friday in February,  which is TODAY, millions wear red to show their commitment to fighting this deadly disease.

In 2004, the American Heart Association additionally created the Go Red For Women campaign. This initiative was designed to help empower women to the steps they need to ensure a happy and healthy heart. The social campaigns educates women on the risk of heart disease and provides them with the tools to take action and reduce their own risk.

Since the first National Wear Red Day 10 years ago, tremendous strides have been made in the fight against heart disease in women, including:

• 21% fewer women dying from heart disease
• 23% more women aware that it’s their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

From goredforwomen.org

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

• Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes at least 4 days a week
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a heart-centered healthy diet by decreasing your intake of saturated and trans fat
• Ensure your diet includes eating antioxidant foods
• Get regular screenings for your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as diabetes screenings
• Reduce stress

There are still thousands upon thousands of women who die each year from heart disease. So today let’s wear red, and show our support! Help raise awareness because even just educating one person on what they can do to help their heart is worth it!