Go Red For Women

In February 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) launched Go Red For Women, a nationwide initiative designed to raise women’s awareness of their risk of heart disease, communicate the simplicity of risk reduction and create a compelling call to action that drives women to take control of their health. Go Red For Women provides knowledge and tools to empower women to make positive changes in their lives that may help reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. This year, National Wear Red Day is February 5th. Wear red and encourage your colleagues, family and friends to do the same! For more information on the Go Red For Women movement or on how to host a Wear Red Day, contact us at Hilary.Sama@heart.org or 703.248.1706.

Why Go Red?

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. A woman dies every minute from cardiovascular disease, claiming the lives of over 460,000 women every year. While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost 1 in 3 die from cardiovascular disease.43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease (CVD). As recently as 2006, only 57% of American women recognized that heart disease is their leading cause of death.

Hosting a Wear Red Day

Invite employees to wear red on Friday, February 5th or another day to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Host a dress down or denim day and ask for a $5-$10 donation from each participant for the American Heart Association. AHA staff can provide resources and tools.

Hold a Wear Red Day rally in your auditorium, lunchroom, courtyard or other meeting location. Provide fact sheets about heart disease in women (available through AHA staff).

Invite a guest speaker such as a heart disease survivor, a lifestyle change expert, wellness guru or fitness trainer, nutritionist or physical therapist to speak at your event (AHA staff can recommend speakers).

Serve heart-healthy snacks. Red apples, berries, raisins, granola bars, bananas and unsalted butter-free popcorn are great examples. If your location has a cafeteria, arrange for a heart-healthy menu on Wear Red Day (and every day).

Screen attendees for health risks. Work with your health insurance provider to provide screening for body fat or blood pressure.

Offer contests and other interactive activities leading up to the day. Examples include: