National Wear Red Day
February 1st : wear red and show support for women's heart health
Heart Disease is the Number 1 Killer of American women.
February 1, 2008 is National Wear Red Day. Americans wear red to symbolize and show support for the national awareness campaign for women about heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. One in four women will die from heart disease. Many more will experience disabilities and a diminished quality of life sure to heart disease.
In 2007, only 57% of women in the U.S. reported an awareness of their risk for heart disease. This is an increase from 34% in 200 and 46% in 2003, but it's not enough! The goal is to reach all women and have them recognize their own personal risk.
The Heart Truth is that risk factors begin to rise for women between the ages of 40 and 60, but women of all ages need to be aware of the risks. Many risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure begin at a much younger age. Diet, exercise and medications are all important in preventing as well as controlling the factors that lead to increased risks of heart disease in women. It's never too late to take action to lower those risks.
Health care professionals can earn FREE continuing education units from a collaborative effort of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
