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Thousands of Hudson Valley residents will participate in National Wear Red Day by wearing read and donating $5 to the Go Red For Women campaign. In turn, they will receive a red dress pin or wristband, and lifesaving heart health education.
Some organizations will offer heart-healthy lunch and learn programs, organize healthy walks, or offer healthier foods in vending machines or cafeterias. Additionally, landmarks and buildings around the country, including the FDR Mid-Hudson Bridge, will illuminate in red to help raise awareness to women’s heart health.
“This is such a simple way to raise awareness and celebrate heart health," said Denise George, president, Northern Dutchess Hospital, senior vice president, Health Quest, and 2017 Go Red For Women volunteer chair. "By going red, we remind women, and all of us, how important our hearts are. February is the perfect time to learn more about your heart health and make positive, healthy changes."
Cardiovascular diseases kill about one woman every 80 seconds, but the good news is about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented, according the American Heart Association.
“Let National Wear Red Day be a reminder to take care of your heart and learn your family history," added George. "It’s important to understand risk factors that you can control, such as blood pressure, weight, smoking, cholesterol and lack of regular physical activity, and some you can’t control like age, gender and family history."
Many national companies like Subway, Party City, Price Chopper, and Sprint, are participating in the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why We Give™ throughout February, offering customers the opportunity to donate to the American Heart Association when purchases are made in-store or online; and some will donate a percentage of the sale price of certain items back to the AHA.
Go Red For Women, nationally sponsored by Macy’s, inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives, according to a release from Go Red For Women.
For each individual who gets involved in supporting Go Red For Women by advocating, fundraising and sharing their story, more lives are saved.
According to the American Heart Association, about 293 fewer women in the U.S. die from heart disease and stroke each day thanks to community outreach and education efforts.
For additional information about women’s heart health or to register an organization for National Wear Red Day, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay, or call the local American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (845) 867-5379.
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