The American Heart Association, through its Go Red For Women movement, urges everyone to support the fight against heart disease by wearing red on National Wear Red Day - Friday, Feb. 6.
American Heart Month is in February, a perfect time to focus on the prevalence of heart disease, America's No. 1 killer. It is also a time to pause and celebrate the research and education that make lifesaving advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease a reality. By encouraging the public to share Wear Red Day photos on social media using #GoRed, the American Heart Association hopes to share many images to help boost awareness for this important cause.
On National Wear Red Day, thousands of people, including employees at many companies, national and local news anchors and talk-show hosts across the country, will wear red to support the cause. Men and women everywhere are encouraged to join in to show their support by wearing red on Feb. 6. The red dress and the color red symbolize one's support in the fight against heart disease.
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's cause initiative designed to save women's lives. Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. One in three women dies of this largely preventable disease. While heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, only one in five American women believes heart disease is her greatest health threat. With the right information, education and care, heart disease in women can be treated, prevented, and even ended.
This National Wear Red Day marks Go Red For Women's 12-year anniversary. Looking back on all that has been accomplished, Go Red For Women has really made tremendous strides. They include:
· Nearly 90 percent of women have made at least one healthy behavior change.
· More than one-third of women has lost weight.
· More than 50 percent of women have increased their exercise.
· Six out of 10 women have changed their diets.
· More than 40 percent of women have checked their cholesterol levels.
· One third of women has talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
For more information about American Heart Month or National Wear Red Day, the public is encouraged to visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay.