The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women initiative is asking for your support by participating in National Wear Red Day® on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 during American Heart Month.
Why Go Red? As the No. 1 killer of women - claiming the lives of one in three women - cardiovascular diseases force us to consider that a woman we know and love may be affected at any age. While cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 1 woman every 80 seconds, 80 percent of these cases may be prevented with education and action. That's why we're asking Middle Tennessee to wear red on National Wear Red Day® and together take heart health seriously.
"At Saint Thomas Health, we care for women throughout their lives, and a priority for supporting their wellbeing is educating women about heart health," said Saint Thomas Health Chief Nursing Officer Amy Wilson. "By bringing awareness to the signs of heart disease and helping women establish relationships with healthcare providers, we're empowering our female patients to better care for themselves and remain heart healthy."
Another way to get involved is to attend a heart-healthy rally at 12:30 pm on National Wear Red Day® on the John Segenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Nashville. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement will gather to celebrate women's heart health and all are welcome to join. Expect live music, giveaways, a short program, and more.
Additionally, numerous buildings and landmarks in Middle Tennessee have joined the Go Red For Women movement and will be lit red beginning at full dark to show their commitment to women's heart health on National Wear Red Day®. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, The Parthenon, Nissan Stadium, First Tennessee Park, The Frist Center, Cool Springs Galleria, CMT, AT&T, The Tennessean, Adventure Science Center, Ascend Amphitheater, The Fontanel, to name just a few, are included in those who will be shining red with Go Red For Women on Feb. 2, 2018.
As an extra kick-off to National Wear Red Day® and American Heart Month, the Tennessee State Legislature will be formally recognizing February 2 as National Wear Red Day® and helping to raise awareness statewide about the burden of heart disease in women. Furthermore, a resolution recently passed by the Metro City Council to also recognize February 2 as National Wear Red Day® in the city of Nashville.
With the help of Saint Thomas Heart, Middle Tennessee is taking action in the fight against women's heart disease and stroke. Whether you commit to prioritizing physical activity, healthy eating, regularly monitoring your blood pressure, or donating to Go Red For Women, you are taking critical steps with other women to eradicate heart disease and stroke. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women initiative is nationally sponsored by Macy's and CVS Heath and locally sponsored by Saint Thomas Heart.
To learn more, please visit GoRedForWomen.org.