Go Red for Women - Wear Red Feb. 1 to Show Your Support

Did you know that Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States? Over 460,000 women die each year from Heart Disease, many times unexpectedly.

February, the month of love is also the month of the heart--the American Heart Month sponsored by the American Heart Association and other Agencies. Wear Red on National Wear Red Day to show your support and raise awareness about Women and heart disease.

This February as a Valentine Present for yourself and your loved ones, take a few moments to learn more about how you can promote heart health and prevent heart disease. 

Women and Heart Disease - the Heart Truth 

Both men and women have heart attacks, but more women who have heart attacks die from them. Treatments can limit heart damage but they must be given as soon as possible after a heart attack starts. Ideally, treatment should start within one hour of the first symptoms.

The Heart Truth - Women and Heart Disease 

The Heart Truth is that heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. In fact, one in four women dies of heart disease. Heart disease can also lead to disability and a significantly decreased quality of life.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) along with other partner organizations are sponsoring a national campaign called The Heart Truth to make women more aware of the danger of heart disease. The campaign's goal is to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about their risk of heart disease.

Ways to Lessen Your Risk of Heart Disease

You can easily promote heart health by adopting a few healthy changes to your lifestyle.

1. Eat a Heart-healthy diet.

2. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

3. Know your risk factors, including family history.

4. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.

5. Manage your stress.

Ways to Promote Your Heart Health 

More Ways of Promoting Your Heart Health:

1. Know your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years.
2. Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. If you're having trouble quitting, there are products and programs that can help.
3. Get tested for diabetes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose (often called blood sugar). People with high blood sugar often have no symptoms, so have your blood sugar checked regularly. Having diabetes raises your chances of getting heart disease.
4. Get your cholesterol and triglyceride levels tested. People with high blood cholesterol or high blood triglycerides often have no symptoms, so have your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
   Being overweight raises your risk for heart disease. Eat a healthy diet and exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Start by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet.
6. Limit Alcohol.
   If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink (one 12 ounce beer, one 5 ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor) a day.
7. Find healthy ways to cope with stress.
   Lower your stress level by talking to your friends, exercising, or writing in a journal.

A Heart-ful Valentine Gift for You and Your Loved Ones

For Moms, learning ways to promote your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease
may be the most a heart-ful present you can give to yourself and to all of your Valentines.

For More Information: 

Dyer K. 2008. Promote Heart Health - Prevent Heart Disease.  

Go Red for Women
Go Red For Women Go Red for Woman Home page. Sponsored the American Heart Association
Go Red For Women : National Wear Red Day Wear Red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 1, 2008.

The Heart Truth
What is the Heart Truth? Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Heart Disease 

Heart Disease From the Women's Health.gov Website. January 2007.

Graphic Source: What is the Heart Truth? Leading Causes of Death for Women. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Valentine Heart - Modified Microsoft Image.