February 2 is National Wear Red Day. Originally designed to raise awareness for women’s heart disease, the day is now intended to bring attention to cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death for all Americans. Everyone is asked to wear red on that day – be it a dress, sweater, or t-shirt – to raise awareness. The month of February is also American Heart Month, first designated as such by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

 

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the early 2000s women were far less aware of the risks and signs of cardiovascular disease despite the fact it was claiming the lives of almost half a million American women each year. Females often dismissed heart disease as an issue for older men.

 

Wear Red Day was born in 2002 to help raise awareness of heart disease among women. In 2004, the American Heart Association created Go Red for Women to specifically target women of all ages and further heighten awareness about the signs and risks of heart disease as well as prevention.

 

SIDEBAR TO CHARITY FOCUS ARTICLE – HIGHLIGHT IN A SEPARATE BOX

Non-profit: American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women

 

Mission: To encourage awareness of heart disease and prevention for women.

 

Contact:  Visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/get-involved/attend and fill out the form to be connected to local opportunities or https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/get-involved/attend?form=FUNNGVTQMWK to donate.

How You Can Help: Wear a red dress on February 2! Also, donate, host a fundraising event, become a Heart Walk Hero, and more. Visit the link above for more local opportunities.

Get Heart Healthy: visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/healthy-living for tips on a heart-healthy lifestyle, including fitness, recipes, and other tips.