Although Valentine’s Day is probably the most well known celebration in February, the shortest month of the year also is the month of an important national movement, the Go Red for Women Campaign. This campaign is run by the American Heart Association and focuses on spreading the word about women’s heart health and cardiovascular disease.
The Silent Killer
Cardiovascular disease is often known as the silent killer because its symptoms often go unnoticed until it is too late. This silent killer actually kills more women every year than all forms of cancer combined. Every year 1 in 30 women die of breast cancer while 1 in 3 women die of cardiovascular disease every year. One woman dies approximately every minute from heart disease.
The Gender Difference
Since 1984, more women than men have died from heart disease and stroke and every year that difference in number increases. Also the symptoms for heart disease are different for both men and women. These different symptoms are often misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed.
It Affects Women of All Ethnicities
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African American and Hispanic women. Each year 50,000 African American women and 19,000 Hispanic women die from heart disease. Although cardiovascular disease affects women of all ethnicities, only 43% of African American women and 44% of Hispanic women know that heart disease is the greatest health risk compared to 60% of Caucasian women who know.
Go Red and be Proactive Against Heart Disease
By exercising more, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and checking your cholesterol levels, you can start your fight against heart disease.
The Go Red Movement has already made great strides in its fight against women’s heart disease. Already, more than 627,000 women have been saved from the disease and 330 fewer women die each day.
You can join the fight to help educate women about heart disease by joining the Go Red for Women movement. National Wear Red Day is to show support for women’s heart health and it took place on February 7, but there are still other ways to get involved.
Volunteer
Contact your local American Heart Association office and see how you can get involved.
Donate
Donate to the women related research and education programs.
Shop
Visit ShopHeart.org and support education and awareness programs by purchasing Go Red for Women apparel and accessories.
When visiting your local grocery store, look for products that are certified by the American Heart Association.
Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design Collection is partnering with the American Heart Association to bring you the Whole Heart Charm Bangle. Through February, 20% of sales of this bangle, with a minimum donation of $25,000 dollars will go to the American Heart Association.
Facts on Heart Disease:
http://www.goredforwomenepk.com/2014/docs/2014GoRedForWomenFactSheet_FIN…
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