Go Red for Women

Contributed by Kat Spitz, First Aid / CPR instructor, Evergreen Safety Council

In an effort to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women (it kills more women than all forms of cancer – combined!), the American Heart Association (AHA) devised the Go Red for Women Campaign. 

National Wear Red Day is February 3^rd, 2012! 

Even the popular new hit show Hot in Cleveland starring Betty White tackled this issue on a recent episode of the show (air date: 1/18/12 – you can watch the episode).

While most women admit to worrying about breast cancer which affects thousands, many are unaware of the hundreds of thousands of women killed by heart attacks each year.  Too often, women don’t realize that they are suffering from a heart attack; therefore, many don’t seek help until it is too late.  In addition to the “classic” symptoms that men almost exclusively suffer (chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, pain down the left arm possibly spreading to the jaw, neck and shoulders, nausea), women’s symptoms can also include indigestion, backache, dizziness and fatigue - not usually symptoms that would send us running to the emergency room!

The AHA states that 80% of heart attacks in women can be prevented by making the right choices when it comes to diet, exercise (do) and smoking (don’t)! 

Visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/about_heart_disease_and_stroke.aspx for more information on how to fight cardiovascular disease and how to send 5 people you love (or at least like a little) information on heart disease with a free Go Red Heart Health Kit!

You can also help raise awareness by “Liking” their Facebook page and, of course, by wearing Red on February 3^rd!

Women are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don’t know what you know: heart disease kills.  Help spread the word!