Bust our your most crimson of colors, today is National Wear Red Day.
In 2003, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute took action against Heart Disease -- an illness that was claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year – a disease that, they believe, women weren’t paying attention to.
Stemming from that action, National Wear Red Day was born. Now, it’s held on the first Friday in February each year to raise awareness about heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women.
And now, on its 15th-annual year, National Wear Red Day has made tremendous strides. The statistics don't lie:
- 90% of women have made healthy behavior changes
- More than one-third of women have lost weight
- 50%+ women have increased exercise
- 6 out of 10 women have changed their diets
- 40%+ women have checked their cholesterol levels
- One-third of women have talked with doctors about heart health plans
- Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day
- Death in women has decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years
Still, the current statistics are staggering. UHealth Cardiologist Dr. Maureen Lowrey told WIOD that cardiovascular disease kills approximately one woman every 80 seconds in the United States.
Dr. Lowrey's message on this National Wear Red Day is simple: while we always tend to put our children, parents and husbands first, we can't be there for them if we get sick or die.
For more strong information and heart-healthy tips, check out Dr. Lowrey's entire interview with WIOD here:
Dr. Lowrey says the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease - men or women - is age... but no matter how old you are, you should:
- Not smoke
- Watch what you eat
- Exercise regularly
- Be a little greedy (especially women on this National Wear Red Day!)
- Put work and family aside to care for Your health
Today, #WearRedAndGive to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and save lives. For more information, click here.