The American Heart Association (AHA) is asking for the public’s support this February by going red and giving back to participate in American Heart Month, which kicks off on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 4th.
Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 1 in 3 women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. Fortunately, we can change that because a majority of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.
People living in neighborhoods with physical and socioeconomic disadvantages are at higher risk for hypertension, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Within Philadelphia, hypertension rates vary across neighborhoods. The AHA’s goal is to establish public funding for targeted programs that address the high prevalence of hypertension in the city of Philadelphia, and its surrounding counties.
The AHA asks the public to wear red throughout February to encourage women to make the time to “Know Your Numbers”, which include: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI). It’s knowledge that could save their life. To learn more, visit GoRedForWomen.org.
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