SEEING RED



Today I'm seeing red.  Today is National Go Red Day for women's health and our employees are supporting the cause by sporting red!

Prior to 2003 nearly 500,000 American women were dying each year due to heart disease.  That number was actually higher than the number of men dying from heart disease.  Yet women paid very little attention to their heart health.  That was the year the American Heart Association took a stand and started Go Red for Women.  Not only is red the color of your heart, but it's a color that demands your attention and suggests urgency - a perfect color to use for a fight against the number one killer of women. And it's been working!

In the past 11 years, the Go Red Day or Wear Red Day has garnered tremendous support and attention throughout the country. Some of the strides that have been accomplished:

• 34% fewer women now die from heart disease, saving 330 lives every day
• 23% more women aware that it’s their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications, and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

The fight is far from over.  Women still don't understand how critical their heart health is, or even what steps to take to prevent becoming a victim.  To find out what your own risk is, as well as what steps you can take to help fight heart disease, take the American Heart Association's Risk Assessment.  Think about your lifestyle and what you can change to improve your heart health.  Even little changes can make a big difference over time. 

As you go throughout your day today, as well as throughout the month of February, I hope you too see lots of red!

^Amy