You see a bunch of people wearing red and you wonder, “Is it valentine’s day already”? You check your calendar and you see it is February 6. Phew, you still have time to prepare but start to wonder why everyone is wearing red. Turns out, today is National Wear Red Day.
National Wear Red Day is a special day when people wear red clothes to help everyone remember that heart disease and stroke is the number one killer for women. It happens every year on the first Friday in February. The day is part of a bigger program called "Go Red for Women" that was started by the American Heart Association to teach people about keeping hearts healthy.
Red was chosen because it serves as a visual reminder about the heart and the serious impact heart disease and stroke can have. It also symbolizes the energy, passion and power of women working together to raise awareness and take action. Wearing red unites millions and shows we all have a common goal: to save women’s lives and promote their well-being.
Heart disease and stroke, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), are the number 1 killer of women. Nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of heart disease. Less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have good heart health.
Women have different signs of cardiac events like heart attacks than men. Symptoms can include:
Recognizing the signs of a stroke early can save lives. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. One in 5 women will experience a stroke and Black women are at especially high risk. Symptoms include:
On National Wear Red Day, wear something red – like a red shirt, shoes, or even a red ribbon. Spread the word to your family and friends to keep their hearts healthy by eating healthy foods, exercising and not smoking. Remember, taking care of your heart is important at every age, even when you're young! Don’t forget to see your primary care physician to monitor your blood pressure, weight and cholesterol and sugar levels. If you or someone has the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately! And learn how to do CPR to become a lifesaver. Your actions could mean the difference between life and death for someone in cardiac arrest.
Dr. Maanasa Chittari is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.