Did you know…
WOMEN are more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than any other condition
1 in 3 women die of a heart attack or stroke
Heart disease and stroke are 80% PREVENTABLE
National Wear Red Day marks the start of American Heart Month and encourages women to become informed and involved to change this statistic. It is meant to encourage all of us to understand our risks for heart disease and stroke and if needed start making changes to lower these risks! Women are faced with many demands and little time, but it is important that we take time to care for ourselves as well as our family!
Why Do I Wear Red?
My father was diagnosed with heart disease when he was 45 years old. We have been blessed that he has not suffered complications and manages his heart disease with diet, exercise, and medications. His early heart disease, however, increases my risk of developing heart disease and that is something I can’t change. I can change other risk factors though through healthy living: not smoking, avoiding fast food, and exercising regularly to help keep my blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure low. Some days it’s difficult to find the time or the will-power and I slip up, but I strive to make those days number very few. My sister and I are aware of our risks for heart disease and we try to help each other live well and challenge each other to be more active! We will be part of the change and work to prevent heart disease in women. So get out your red dresses, shirts, shoes, and accessories to celebrate National Wear Red Day and spread the word!
Heart Disease encompasses many cardiovascular conditions including: heart attack, heart failure, heart valve problems and irregular heart rhythms. Many of the conditions are due to atherosclerosis, or narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plague build up. Plague is a sticky, cholesterol containing substance that can slow or stop blood flow through arteries if build-up becomes so large that a clot develops or breaks loose. When this happens in the heart it can result in a heart attack; when this happens in the brain a stroke can occur. Take the online Go Red Heart CheckUp assessment developed by the American Heart Association to find out your specific risks!
Written by Tria Health Pharmacist Jamie Killion