Friday, February 3, 2012 is the 9th Annual National Go Red Day. Americans will wear red to show support for women’s heart health. The first Friday in February has been designated as Go Red For Women Day.
More women die of heart disease than from all forms of cancer combined. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women. Unfortunately, heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood. Strokes are the #4 killer of women, and are the #1 cause of disability in women.
8 million women in the United States have heart disease, yet only 1 in 6 women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. 90% of women have 1 or more risk factors in developing heart disease.
Prevention is the most important weapon in the fight against heart disease. It’s never too soon to begin living a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet, exercise, abstinence from smoking, drinking of alcohol in moderation, maintaining a healthy weight, and knowing one’s family medical history.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.
