With February just around the corner, the two things that are guaranteed are St. Valentine’s Day and the American Heart Association‘s Go Red For Women. While St. V-Day sets hearts fluttering, Go Red wants to keep hearts healthy, especially among women.
According to Dallas Go Red For Women Executive Leadership Team Chair Susan Wetzel, “Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age. The Go Red for Women movement empowers women to take charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they love.”
Unlike years past when a mega-luncheon was held with guests in their finest red outfits, this year is gonna be different thanks to COVID-19. It will kick off with Friday, February 5, serving as National Wear Red Day. Even if you’re still home-bound, dig through your wardrobe and find something red. Even a red mask will do. Then snap a photo and show your colors. And if you’re closet is bare of anything red, the American Heart Association has the answer to your red attire need.
The second part — “Go Red Live! United in Purpose” — will take place on Sunday, February 28, at noon on WFAA-TV (CH. 8) for a “give-a-thon hosted by Kellie Rasberry thanks to Commercial Metals Company. The program will feature everything from letting women “learn what they need to know about their heart health” to inspiring stores and musical performances. To help support the American Heart Association, there will be an auction.
The third part —“Go Red For Women Experience” — will be held on Friday, April 23, at noon digitally, thanks to a sponsorship by D&M Auto Leasing. Celebrating Tarrant County women, it will feature lessons on “healthy living strategies to reduce their personal risk for cardiovascular disease.”
As Go Red For Women Tarrant County Division Executive Director Emile Blaine reported, “Despite the devastating toll of COVID-19, heart disease remains the #1 health threat for women.”
Interestingly the number 80 plays a numbing reality when it comes to heart disease. For instance,
- Cardiovascular disease kills one woman every 80 seconds.
- 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through modest changes to diet and lifestyle.
Despite the anxiety of the pandemic’s past months, women must be vigilant about the possibility of cardiovascular disease by understanding family health history, knowing the key personal health numbers (total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index) and making healthy behavior changes like moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure.
And remember that the advancements made in heart disease research for women haven’t just magically taken place. They have resulted from donations and underwriting from individuals and companies.