Wear Red Get Heart Healthy

February is Woman’s Heart Month. This month is set aside to bring awareness of the risk factors and complications of heart disease in women. National Wear Red Day, on the first Friday in February, and Red Dress Sunday are annual campaigns to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Many individuals across the country don the color red to increase and spread awareness in hopes of helping eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. The American Heart Association sponsors this significant healthcare initiative.

The national campaign urges women to learn about their risk for heart disease and take steps to reduce their risk and improve their health. Heart disease is often slowly diagnosed and treated in women. Cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths yearly, making it the number one healthrelated killer in women. Research shows 87% of all heart issues, including hypertension and stroke, can be prevented. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, vaping, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and chronic inflammation. Decreasing estrogen levels in menopause increase fat in the blood, causing clogged blood vessels.

Get involved and show support by wearing red on February 3rd-National Wear Red Day. Encourage your family and friends to join you by wearing a favorite red outfit. Join multiple church congregations around the nation by wearing red on February 12th -Red Dress Sunday.

Strengthen your impact by donating to the American Heart Association. Care for your heart by exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet. Decrease your intake of carbohydrates and fats. Increase your dietary intake of fresh vegetables and fruit. Work to include 15 minutes of moderate exercise in your daily routine. See your healthcare provider for regular checkups. Monitor your blood pressure, and work to keep your weight within normal limits. Educate yourself on heart disease risk factors. Contact the local chapter of the American Heart Association for classes in nutrition, exercise programs, and other resources related to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

If you have heart disease, take care of yourself. Keep your appointments with your doctor. Take the medications as prescribed.

Wear your favorite red outfit on Friday, January 3rd or Red Dress Sunday. Reach out to other women and spread the word about heart disease. Get involved in community efforts to fight heart disease in women.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

healthytips025@gmail.com