Wear Red for Women’s Heart Health This Friday

February may be the shortest month of the year, but there are still so many important days and celebrations packed into the 28 days (or 29 if it's a leap year). February boasts popular holidays like Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, and Galentine's Day, it also contains a key event called the Super Bowl. It's Black History Month, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate Black culture and heritage or educate yourself on Black history.

February is also Heart Month, a time to remember that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and it's an opportunity to raise awareness about risk factors, prevalence, and prevention. This Friday, February 3 is National Wear Red Day. National Red Wear Day, which is observed on the first Friday of every February to kick off American Heart Month, is particularly significant for women. Think about it, who has a better heart than your mother, sister, aunt, wife, or daughter? Don't they have to protect it?

In order to live a better, heart healthier life, it is time to come together and take charge. This month, you can help increase awareness about heart disease and encourage women to take control of their heart health. This includes following a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, knowing your family health history, and managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. There's no better time than now to start prioritizing your heart health.

I challenge you to do three things this month. Get a checkup to see where your heart health stands, especially your blood pressure numbers.
Learn hands-only CPR and teach your family. It’s a simple lifesaving skill that everyone needs to know. Join me on National Wear Red Day and raise awareness for heart disease and stroke.

Did you know that one in four women will die of heart disease? Learn about heart attack and stroke symptoms in women here https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women