Wear Red for Women’s Heart Health

A few years ago a dear friend of mine suffered a heart attack. It was a surprise to us all. She was far too young and vibrant for heart trouble. Even as it happened, she didn’t realize it was a heart attack. The symptoms were more like high anxiety or severe indigestion.  Turns out, that is the challenge with heart disease in women, it can be hard to detect before it’s too late.

That is why the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute started the Go Red campaign. It was time to pay attention to the leading cause of death for women, heart disease.

Today, Feb. 6, 2015 marks the 12^th year anniversary for National Wear Red Day. Go Red has made great progress in bringing awareness to the importance of heart health, including:

• Nearly 90% of women have made at least one healthy behavior change.
• More than one-third of women have lost weight.
• More than 50% of women have increased their exercise.
• 6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.
• More than 40% of women have checked their cholesterol levels.
• One third of women have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.

As for my dear friend? She’s doing great. She changed her lifestyle to reduce her stressors. She now travels the world, enjoys spending time with her loving family and is discovering new ways to find inner peace. Her heart trouble was a wake-up call for her, for me, and for all those close to her.

So Go Red today. We did. Raise your voice and share your red.
Here are some ways to celebrate National Wear Red Day.