I’ll be wearing my favorite red jacket on Friday, February 7th, for National Wear Red Day®. The American Heart Association (AHA) is encouraging the women of Woodforest to Go Red for Women® to raise awareness of the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease.
For more than 20 years, the American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, has met the evolving health needs of women and addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of their greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). Go Red for Women is a source of credible, equitable health solutions at every age, stage, and season of life.
Cardiovascular disease does not discriminate, and it is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It’s as diverse and complex as women are. Health is personal. Confounding. And often lonely. It’s not just numbers and tests, self-discipline and denials. It’s feelings, it’s focus. It’s balance. It’s life. But what it isn’t - is fair. Heart disease unfairly targets women. Women have been excluded from research, testing, treatment, and funding. CVD continues to be the number one killer of women - claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Additionally, women experience unique life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Even more startling is the fact that only about half of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their most significant health risk.
Fortunately, women have a fantastic resource - each other. Go Red for Women is dedicated to connecting women to motivate each other, educate each other, and inspire each other. Because when we Go Red together, we have the power to build communities that foster better health. Thanks to the support from supporters, volunteers, and champions, the American Heart Association is working to improve the heart and brain health of all women in the following ways:
Research and Science:
For too long, women have been underrepresented in research. In fact, less than 40% of research participants are women. Go Red for Women is funding critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.
Life Stages
As a woman ages, her risk for cardiovascular disease changes. Yet the majority of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Go Red for Women is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage, and season of life.
Bridging the Gap
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. From being less likely to receive bystander CPR to facing inequities in care, women deserve better. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing community and support.
In my work as the Senior Marketing Communications Director for the American Heart Association, I often share heart-healthy resources. However, during American Heart Month, my personal mission is to share information about women and cardiovascular disease. To learn more, go to www.GoRedForWomen.org.
Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.