SEATTLE, Jan. 24, 2024 — The color of the day is red on Friday, Feb. 2, National Wear Red Day. On this day, the American Heart Association is asking everyone to be inspired by women’s health, as we strive for a world where everyone lives longer, healthier lives. Prioritize your heart and brain health by wearing red.
“It’s important to realize. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, but more importantly, everyone needs to know that most of it is preventable.” Puget Sound Woman said Imelda Dacones, MD, FACP, Go Red’s Community Volunteer Chair and Market President of Optum. Pacific Northwest.
Wearing red helps raise awareness that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one health threat to women, and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement encourages everyone to do their part. We encourage you to participate and support women’s lives. Here’s how the Washington resident goes red on her February 2nd.
- Dress up in red and post your photos on social media using #WearRedDay #goREDwa. Tell others how you or your family has been affected by heart disease or stroke.
- Wear red and donate to the American Heart Association. Set up a personal fundraising page and find resources at WearRedDay.org. In just three easy steps, you can invite your friends and family to join in the fun.
- Purchase and receive an American Heart Association Red Dress Pin as a symbol of our efforts to end heart disease and stroke for women around the world. The pins are available for purchase on her ShopHeart.org and throughout February she will be available for purchase at Big Lots stores nationwide with a donation of $2 or more.
- Commit to making heart health a priority. The majority of cardiovascular events are preventable through lifestyle changes and education. Understand important personal health numbers that help determine your risk of heart disease, including total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI.
- Learn hands-only CPR because too many women go unaided when they go into cardiac arrest because they’re afraid of bystanders touching them. Go Red for Women wants everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and move from being a bystander to becoming a lifesaver. Hands-Only CPR is just two simple steps and you can learn the steps by watching a demonstration video at heart.org/nation.
National Wear Red Day also marks the beginning of the annual Women of Impact and Teen of Impact competitions, nine weeks of fundraising and heart health education efforts by local women dedicated to advancing the Go Red movement. In 2024, 13 candidates will compete for the title of Woman of Impact, and four will compete for the title of Teen of Impact.
In the coming weeks, American Heart Association supporters will gather for the Go Red for Women Experience. This is an annual event that shares inspiring stories from the community and raises funds to support Go Red for Women. The event will be held in Seattle on March 7th. To sponsor a table or make a donation, visit heart.org/PugetSoundGoRed.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Almost 45% of women over the age of 20 have some form of her CVD. Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the gap in women’s awareness and clinical care of their CVD. As the movement enters its second decade of impact, the association calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their communities.
“Whether it’s learning CPR, knowing your own risk factors, being honest with your doctor, or letting other women prioritize your health and well-being, we’re taking steps to protect our families and our health. There are many ways to build a legacy: in community,” Dr. Dacones said.
Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and regionally by Optum, Regence BlueShield, MultiCare Health System and Premera Blue Cross.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Contact the American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA1 and in Washington at heart.org/Washington, Facebook, and Instagram. X.
About Go Red for Women®
Go Red for Women®, a signature initiative of the American Heart Association, is an inclusive initiative designed to raise awareness of women’s heart health and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women around the world. It is a platform. Although the majority of cardiac events are preventable, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming one out of every three women’s lives. For over 20 years, Go Red for Women has been raising awareness. This movement harnesses the energy, passion and strength of women to unite and eliminate heart disease. You should know your risk for heart disease and take actions to reduce your personal risk. It also gives you the tools you need to live a heart-healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is sponsored nationally by CVS Health with additional support from supporters of the cause nationwide. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
Media contact:
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
