News release from the American Heart Association:
February is American Heart Month
(January 28, 2016) – February is American Heart Month, and Feb. 5 is National Wear Red Day, both drawing attention to cardiovascular disease and the efforts to stop America’s number one killer – heart disease. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined.
Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease. February also has been the signature month for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, which inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives. The movement strives to improve the health of all women because the statistics are staggering.
- Heart disease and stroke kills approximately one woman every 80 seconds.
- Today, in the U.S. about 285 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day
- An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.
- 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.
The Go Red for Women movement is critical in raising awareness and funds for lifesaving research and education programs in communities. It is a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health and women who are involved with the Go Red for Women live healthier lives.
- Nearly 90% have made at least one healthy behavior change.
- More than one-third has have lost weight.
- More than 50% have increased their exercise.
- 6 out of 10 have changed their diets.
- More than 40% have checked their cholesterol levels.
- One third have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
In recognition of National Wear Red Day on Feb. 5, 2016, Go Red for Women asks that across America, everyone Go Red. It’s as easy as putting on a red dress, a red tie or a red dress pin – just WEAR RED to support the movement. Learn more at GoRedForWomen.org.
The American Heart Association offers the following ways to get involved locally and share lifesaving information with loved ones:
RED DRESS DASH:
The second annual Red Dress Dash will take place Saturday, February 6 from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM in Downtown Fort Wayne.The event calls on ladies and gentlemen from around the community to put on their best red outfit and do a short dash. Participants can run, jog or walk the route.
The half-mile dash will start at Headwaters Park West and end at Fort Wayne Outfitters.
The dash is free and dashers can register at www.northeastindianagored.org
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Registration and festivities
- 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM: DASH
- 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM: More fun
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Share your photos:
Wear red, organize your office to wear red, dress your family up in red. However you Go Red, take photos and share them on your social media pages.
Use the hashtag #FortWayneGoesRedSpread the word.
Share your comments on what Going Red means to you and why you Go Red on your social media pages.
Use the hashtag #FortWayneGoesRedTag us in your posts:
Facebook.com/AHAIndiana
Twitter: @AHAIndiana
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – two of America’s leading killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, go to www.northeastindianagored.org
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