Go Red For Women is an initiative created by the American Heart Association (AHA) to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke as the No. 1 killer of women.
In the past, men have been the focus of research pertaining to heart disease and stroke because it was widely thought that these conditions primarily affected males. As a result, many women weren’t aware of their risk for heart disease.
Heart disease, stroke and women
Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. But, since 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and preventative action, those numbers can be significantly reduced.
Go Red For Women® not only makes women aware of the dangers of heart disease, it also equips them to be proactive about reducing their own personal risk. It educates women about the tools needed to promote a healthy heart, including:
- Scheduling regular well-woman visits
- Following a consistent exercise routine
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting important tests done to monitor heart health and detect any potential issues early
National Wear Red Day®
February is American Heart Month, and there are several initiatives taking place throughout the month to bring awareness to cardiovascular health. One of these events is National Wear Red Day®, an annual program promoted by Go Red For Women®. It takes place on the first Friday in February, and this year marks its 13th anniversary.
To participate in this year’s National Wear Red Day®, wear something red on Friday, February 5. Anything red goes — a dress, tie, scarf, hat, blazer, purse — anything that “glows red” and will stand out to bring attention to this important cause.
All revenue from local and national Go Red For Women® activities are used to support awareness, education, research and community programs to benefit women — with the ultimate goal of saving lives. To learn ways to contribute and for additional information, visit the Go Red For Women® website.
