(Image provided by the American Heart Association)
The American Heart Association says February is American Heart Month and this Friday, February 2, 2024, the first Friday of the month, is National Wear Red Day. The annual initiative is meant to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, women’s greatest health threat, in the battle against heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association says awareness is a critical component of the Go Red movement to help spread the word that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. They also urge everyone to “Know Your Numbers” – key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease include total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. Other data from the American Heart Association:
• Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms as the leading cause of maternal mortality.
• Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR and less likely to survive an out-of hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
• Only 38% of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants were women as of 2020.
The American Heart Association is asking Region residents to Wear Red and Give on Friday, February 2, 2024, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death in women – and encourage family and friends to do the same. There’s an opportunity to set up a personal fundraising page and find materials at WearRedDay.org . A Red Dress pin is available online at ShopHeart.org , and for the month of February, they will be available at Big Lots stores nationwide for a donation of $2 or more.
The American Heart Association also says you can share your support on social media with #WearRedDay and #WearRedAndGive (and tagging @American_Heart @GoRedforWomen).
