- American Heart Month
- Heart Disease Awareness
- Facts About Heart Disease and Stroke
- Facts About Heart Disease in Women
- How “Go Red For Women” Research Saves Lives
- Don’t Forget to “G-O R-E-D!”
- Get Involved
- Go Red Events in San Antonio
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring national awareness to all communities about what happens to many Americans every single year due to heart disease and how to lower the risk factors. Go Red for Women, however, is a campaign exposing the number one killer of women: heart disease. Although people wear red the first Friday in February, this is far from the only action taken on this day. Go Red For Women strategically focuses on heart disease awareness, CPR training, funding for research, and donations all in order to reduce deaths by heart disease. This is how campaigns like “Go Red For Women” by the American Heart Association have contributed to saving thousands of lives.
Heart Disease Awareness
The goal isn’t only to start a conversation by wearing red on the first Friday in February. The initiative brings public health education to many Americans who do not know about the increased risks women face of dying from heart disease by the uncontrollable factor of simply being a woman.
Facts About Heart Disease and Stroke
- More than 600,000 Americans die of heart disease each year.
- 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
- 750,000 heart attacks
Facts About Heart Disease in Women
According to the American Heart Association:
• Heart disease is the #1 killer of women ages 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute. More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
– In fact, while 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, about 1 in 3 die of cardiovascular disease.
– Yet, only 1 in 5 women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
• Heart disease is largely preventable.
How “Go Red For Women” Research Saves Lives
Research shows that women who “Go Red” are more likely to make healthy choices.
– More than one-third have lost weight.
– Nearly 55 percent have increased their exercise. – Six out of ten have changed their diets.
– More than 40 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.
– One third have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
• 80% of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise, and abstinence from smoking.
CPR Training
Public Health Education integrates CPR training, where awareness of heart attack symptoms is crucial to know the proper response. The American Heart Association engages in public health education for communities that will help their families and friends learn to recognize important signs of heart attack and when to call 911.
5 common symptoms of a heart attack are:
1) Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
2) Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint
3) Chest pain or discomfort
4) Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
5) Shortness of breath.
If someone is suspected to be having a heart attack, 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
On the first Friday of February, we can use this day to raise awareness about the staggering statistics about heart disease causing death in women and how to prevent it. Please encourage friends and family members to join Go Red For Women and let’s fight heart disease together.
Don’t Forget to “G-O R-E-D!”
The American Heart Association has an acronym to help motivate people to understand how to keep their hearts healthy.
G: GET YOUR NUMBERS
Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
O: OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE
Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat healthily.
It’s up to you. No one can do it for you.
R: REALIZE YOUR RISK
We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills one of three women.
E: EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY
Make healthy food choices for you and your family.
Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
D: DON’T BE SILENT
Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our No. 1 killer.
Get Involved
The American Heart Association and many other socially responsible organizations such as Macy’s and CVS Health combine efforts to make Go Red For Women possible.
Macy’s is a Platinum Sponsor for the Go Red For Women campaign, donating proceeds towards research for the American Heart Association.
Go Red Events in San Antonio
You can still get involved in events in the San Antonio area, even after the first Friday in February!
Go Red for Women Summit
Location: The Mays Family Center at The Witte Museum
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Time: 10:30 AM
San Antonio Vestido Rojo
Location: La Villita Assembly Building
Date: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Time: 07:30 AM
36th Annual San Antonio Heart Ball
Location: La Cantera Resort & Spa
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2020
Time: 06:00 PM
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