Show some heart: GO RED on Friday, February 2, 2007
Posted February 1st, 2007 at 10:30 AM by Megan Hueter
Section: Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Columns, Health & Fitness, Exercise, Weight Loss, SPOTLIGHT
Note: We recognize that this article is beyond the scope of our normal content. However, we felt that in our continuing efforts to encourage active living and help you reach your goals, it was appropriate and important for us promote “Go Red for Women Day” and convey the American Heart Association’s recommendations for lowering your risk of heart disease.
On Friday, February 2nd, people around the nation will be supporting the American Heart Association‘s national “Go Red for Women Day” by wearing red to help raise awareness of heart disease among women. The campaign has chosen the color red to stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 12 million people in the United States suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD), and CHD is the leading cause of death for women and men.
However, the AHA “Go Red for Women” campaign specifically targets women because of the disproportionately high numbers of women who suffer with CHD. Over their lifetimes, nearly 1 in 3 women will get heart disease, and right now nearly 480,000 women die of cardiovascular disease annually. Such a high death rate represents not only more than the total number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in men, but also more than the next four causes of death in men combined.
Initiated in February of 2004, Go Red for Women has grown into a national movement as more women, men, celebrities, healthcare professionals and politicians embrace and elevate the cause of combating heart disease in women. The movement empowers women with the knowledge and tools they need to take positive action to reduce their risks of heart disease and stroke and to protect their health.
Some major risk factors for CHD, stroke, and heart failure are high cholesterol and high blood pressure. About 50 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure and cholesterol which require medical advice and treatment. More than 90 million adults have cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable. Additional risks for CHD and related disorders include smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. Age, race and heredity may also affect a person’s risk for developing heart disease.
One of the most preventable and treatable risk factors for heart disease is physical inactivity. The American Heart Association has created innovative programs which work to help women live healthy and active lives. For example, Choose to Move is a free 12-week active lifestyle program which encourages women to get moving. For more information, please visit Choosetomove.org.
Another way the campaign encourages awareness is through its Know Your Numbersposting, which can help people and their doctors determine risks for CHD and mark the progress toward a healthier heart. The numbers are listed in the chart below.
Go Red For Women also encourages better heart health among women by suggesting “5 Simple Ways to Love Your Heart”. These include getting a yearly checkup, exercising, smoking cessation, weight loss and decreased salt intake.
Click here to get involved now and the AHA’s campaign.
In addition, please speak with to your health care provider and visit the American Heart Association to learn about other ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: AHA, american heart association, CHD, cholesterol, choose to move, coronary heart disease, Go Red, Go Red For Women, health, health risk, heart disease, heart health, Know Your Numbers
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