Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is working in communities across the country—and right here in the Central Valley—to change the statistics. Too many of us know a woman affected by heart disease or stroke and Go Red for Women believes losing even one woman is too many.

National Wear Red Day is an icon day that kicks off American Heart Month and Go Red for Women asks all of us to add a touch of red to our outfits on Friday, February 2nd and share why we are doing so. The sea of red from coast to coast will showcase our united goal: to end heart disease and stroke. So now the only question is, how will you Go Red for women’s and brain health?

CVLUX What is the mission of Go Red for Women?
AHA For two decades, Go Red for Women has been saving and improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies, and raising awareness. As women grow and change, so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage, and season of their lives. While we’ve come incredibly far in 20 years, there is still more work to be done.

CVLUX To what extent is heart disease a problem for women?
AHA Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading killer of women. Nearly 45 percent of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. It’s a significant problem.

On the positive side, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education. This is why Go Red for Women is so important. Only about 44 percent of women are aware that CVD is their leading health threat and knowledge is power. Go Red for Women wants to not only make women aware, but also inspire action. All women should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

CVLUX If someone wanted to take a step to improve their heart and brain health, what would you recommend?
AHA Changes can be big or small. Even a small modification over time can make a big impact. Pick one thing and build on your success.

Ideas include:

Schedule your annual wellness visit with your medical provider. Have your key health numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI)—measured and learn where you currently stand.
Get out and take a walk. If it’s a challenge, start with a short distance and increase the length over time.
Reduce or eliminate the amount of added sugar you consume in beverages like soda, energy drinks, or coffee drinks. Switch to water with fruit, vegetables, or herbs for flavor, or modify your coffee order to include less sugar.
Ensure you are getting enough sleep—7-9 hours a night is recommended for adults. Schedule a regular bedtime and spend 15 minutes before you go to sleep getting ready for the next day, so your mind isn’t racing with a to-do list when you put your head on the pillow.

These are just a few ideas and www.GoRedforWomen.org has healthy living resources to support you on your journey.

CVLUX National Wear Red Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of February. When is it this year and what does Go Red for Women ask us to do?
AHA Friday, February 2nd is National Wear Red Day—a day when Go Red for Women asks us to add a touch of red to our outfit and share why we are doing so to raise awareness for the fight against heart disease and stroke in women. It’s a day of action and inspiration.

In the Central Valley, you will see local landmarks shine their light red, local TV and radio personalities dress in red, and community members sharing messages on social media all in support of Go Red for Women. Social media can play a big role in raising awareness and everyone is encouraged to share their red photos using #WearRedDay and #CentralValleyGoesRed. If we are going to make a difference in awareness, it will take all of us to move the mission of Go Red for Women forward.

CVLUX In addition to wearing red, what can people do to celebrate National Wear Red Day?
AHA In the office, you can decorate your cubicle in red, bring red snacks like grapes, apples, and strawberries to the office breakroom, organize a red team photo or a lunchtime walk, or change your online meeting background to a red background for the day (or the whole month!).

At home, you can prepare a healthy meal, get extra steps by parking in the back of the parking lot when you run errands, or take a relaxing bath before bedtime to de-stress and foster quality sleep.

Everyone can support the Go Red for Women movement by setting up a Wear Red Day fundraiser at www.WearRedDay.org with donations benefitting the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work. Community members can also join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning Hands-Only CPR and being ready to act when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest. Watch a short Hands-Only CPR demo at www.heart.org/nation.

CVLUX I understand that this year is a milestone year not only for Go Red for Women, but also for the American Heart Association. Can you share more?
AHA In 2024, Go Red for Women is marking 20 years and the American Heart Association is celebrating our 100th birthday. From humble beginnings as a small professional health society formed by six cardiologists in Chicago in 1924, the American Heart Association has emerged as the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

Community members can join in the celebration by visiting www.heart.org/centennial throughout 2024 to learn more about the American Heart Association’s history, lifesaving discoveries, inspiring leaders and volunteers, and the vision for the future to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

Photos courtesy of The American Heart Association.