According to a recent article I read, every 25 seconds an American will have a coronary event, and about one American every minute will die from a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading killer in men and women in the United States. Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths.
In 2006, heart disease was the cause of death in nearly 316,000 females. Often seen as an “older women’s disease,” it is the leading cause of death in women 65 and older. In women 25-44, it is the third leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death in women 44-64.
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
February 5, 2010 is National Wear Red Day. On this day, Americans nationwide will wear red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness. This observance promotes the Red Dress symbol and provides an opportunity for everyone to unite in this life-saving awareness movement by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, or Red Dress Pin.
The UMKC Women’s Center, together with UMKC Student Health and Wellness and the local chapter of WomenHeart, the national Coalition for Women with Heath Disease, will be hosting an information table in the University Center on February 5 to support National Wear Red Day. Please wear red on this day to show your support for the fight against heart disease and stroke in women and stop by our table to receive information about prevention, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment for women with heart disease.