Wear RED and join the fight– “Go Red for Women Campaign” kicks off this week
Wear red… and join the fight!
Sunny Lu Williams, chair of our Go Red for Women campaign in Indy.American Heart Association Go Red for Women Chair, tells us more about American Heart Month and how we can all help spread awareness, including how to recognize the signs of a heart attack and how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Here’s more:
February is American Heart Month, and the month kicks off with National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 5. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States even amid the current pandemic. In fact, some people are delaying treatment for heart attacks due to fear of going to the hospital.
Hoosiers will come together in February to show their support for the fight against heart disease and stroke. American Heart Month, an annual celebration in February that began in 1964, urges Americans to join the battle against heart disease. A presidential proclamation each year pays tribute to researchers, physicians, public health education professionals and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing, treating, and researching heart disease.
Across the state and the nation, millions of people will don red attire on Friday, Feb. 5 – National Wear Red Day. Women and men throughout the country will be wearing red sweaters, red dresses, red ties or red dress pins to show their support of the American Heart Association’s mission to saves lives from the nation’s No. 1 killer.
The American Heart Association launched the Go Red for Women movement in 2004 to raise awareness about heart disease in women. In the United States, a woman dies from heart disease every 80 seconds making it the leading cause of death. Through Go Red for Women, the AHA is educating women that up to 80 percent of heart disease is preventable through healthy lifestyle changes that include:
- Healthy diet
- Increase physical activity
- Healthy blood pressure
- Healthy cholesterol
- Healthy blood sugar
- Healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
Every year the American Heart Association funds more than $180 million of research nationally, including more than $5 million at universities in Indiana. Thanks to advancements in treatment, mortality rates from heart disease have dropped more than 50 percent in the last 30 years, however, 1 in 3 deaths are still the result of heart disease.
By wearing red, participating in these events and financially supporting the American Heart Association, Hoosiers will help save lives.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century.
About Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters.