Friday, February 7th, is National Wear Red Day. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the event. It’s important to remember that there are some simple things you can do to lower your risk; such as losing weight, monitoring your cholesterol and exercising.
Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.
Heart disease kills almost 1,100 women a day. But what’s more powerful than the killer? Millions of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends speaking up.
Here are some of the things that Go Red for Women has to say about their work:
Since the first National Wear Red Day in 2003, we’ve made tremendous strides in the fight against heart disease in women. Through research and education to healthy lifestyle changes, we’re proud that:
-34% fewer women now die from heart disease, saving 330 lives every day.
-More women are taking ownership of their health by developing healthy lifestyles:Awareness is up. 23% more Americans now realize heart disease is the #1 killer of women.
-37% are losing weight
-43% are checking their cholesterol
-more than 50% exercise more
-60% have improved their diets
-33% have developed heart health plans with their doctor.
-Awareness among minorities is up, doubling among Hispanic women and tripling among African American women.
-15% have quit smoking, and high cholesterol has declined by 18%
-More communities have joined the fight. Registration in Go Red For Women is now more than 1.75 million. More than 25 million Red Dress Pins have been worn to support the cause. More than 185 cities host GRFW events and luncheons. And more than 2,000 landmarks light up in red on National Wear Red Day.
-Legislative efforts are making a difference. Women no longer pay higher premiums than men for health coverage. And 20 states have programs for low-income women to get screenings for heart disease and strokes through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN.
-More gender-specific guidelines have been developed, because women’s symptoms and responses to medication differ from men’s.
-Gender-specific medical research is up. The FDA now requires clinical trial results be reported by gender.
-Gender-specific inequalities have been identified, ensuring women receive the same level of heart treatment as men.