National Wear Red Day

February is American Heart Month, a time to prioritize heart health and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. One significant way to support this cause is by participating in National Wear Red Day on February 7th. This annual observance connects millions of people across the country in the fight against heart disease and stroke, especially among women, who are disproportionately affected.

Why Wear Red?

Wearing red is an easy yet powerful way to raise awareness about heart health. It acts as a visual reminder of the importance of caring for our hearts and encourages meaningful conversations about preventing heart disease. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of individuals regardless of age, gender, or background. By wearing red, individuals show their support for heart health initiatives and encourage others to learn more about protecting their cardiovascular well-being.

Heart disease is especially significant for women, as it claims the lives of 1 in 3 women each year. Many of these deaths could be prevented with greater awareness, timely medical care, and healthier lifestyle choices. Wearing red highlights, the urgency of addressing these issues while promoting heart-healthy habits that can save lives.

How You Can Participate
  • Wear Red: Dress in your favorite red clothing or accessory to show your support. Whether it is a dress, shirt, tie, or even a red scarf, your participation can help initiate important conversations about heart health.
  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the major risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Share this information with your family, friends and coworkers. Use social media hashtags like #WearRedDay and #HeartHealth to spread the message.
  • Make Heart-Healthy Choices: Commit to lifestyle changes that promote heart health:
    • Eat a heart-healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals.
    • Exercise regularly: Plan for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
    • Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress.
    • Quit smoking: Look for support and resources to quit smoking if needed.
Know the Signs, Save a Life

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke can be lifesaving. Common heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, and sudden dizziness or nausea. Women may experience fatigue, indigestion, or upper back pain, which are often overlooked or mistaken for less serious issues.

For strokes, remember the FAST method: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Acting quickly at the first sign of trouble can reduce long-term damage and improve survival. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately, every second counts.

Make Everyday Heart Day

National Wear Red Day is more than just wearing a color, it is a call to action to prioritize heart health every day. Simple, constant actions such as healthier eating, regular exercise, and effective stress management can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

This February, stand in unity with millions by wearing red on February 7th. Together, we can create a lasting impact, raise awareness, and save lives.

References:

American Heart Association. (2023). National Wear Red Day: Raise awareness and help save lives. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart disease facts: Know the risks and prevent heart disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). Heart health month: Join the fight against heart disease. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Millennium Health and Fitness