Today is Go Red for Women Day, an American Heart Association campaign to raise awareness about women and heart disease. According to Web MD, heart failure means that the heart isn’t able to pump blood as well as it should. With African Americans at a greater risk for heart disease and less likely to get the treatment they need, this campaign helps put the spotlight on symptoms and treatments.
[RELATED: Health is Wealth: 5 Deadly Health Issues for African Americans]
Additionally, as part of the campaign, AHA asks women to wear red on February 5, National Wear Red Day®. Here are some more ways you can get involved:
Learn and spread the word. Did you know that heart disease is
the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year? Â That’s approximately one woman every minute, according to AHA. Yet only one in five American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. GoRedForWomen.org sheds light on the huge misconceptions about heart disease.Submit your One Brave Idea to cure coronary heart disease. The new $75 million research enterprise is funded by the American Heart Association, Verily and AstraZeneca.
Donate: According to AHA, millions of Americans live with heart disease, stroke or a cardiovascular condition. Your donation will help AHA save and improve their lives with research, education and emergency care.
Adopt healthy choices. Studies show that healthy choices have resulted in 330 fewer women dying from heart disease per day. Here are a few lifestyle changes you should make:
- Don’t smoke
- Manage your blood sugar
- Get your blood pressure under control
- Lower your cholesterol
- Know your family history
- Stay active
- Lose weight
- Eat healthy
Watch and learn about heart health
Learn more at Go Red For Women.org.