(INDIANAPOLIS) - Hoosiers are encouraged to wear red on Friday, Feb. 6, as part of National Wear Red Day, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke -- the leading causes of death for women in the United States.
The day is part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, which focuses on educating women about cardiovascular disease and urging early prevention. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the association.
National Wear Red Day marks the start of American Heart Month and calls on individuals, workplaces, and landmarks to "go red" to spotlight women's heart health. Supporters are also encouraged to share messages on social media using #WearRedDay and #GoRedforWomen.
The American Heart Association is asking women to take several key steps to reduce their risk, including knowing their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index. The organization also promotes participation in Research Goes Red, an initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular research, and encourages learning Hands-Only CPR. Studies show women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR during cardiac emergencies.
"National Wear Red Day is about coming together to support the health and well-being of women in our communities," said Heather Harris, Go Red for Women volunteer chair in Indianapolis. "It's a reminder that heart disease impacts mothers, daughters, sisters, and families across Indiana and the nation."
More information about women's heart health resources is available at GoRedforWomen.org, and details about National Wear Red Day can be found at WearRedDay.org.
The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and has spent more than two decades raising awareness and promoting prevention of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of one in three women.