February 2, 2018 is national wear “red” day for American Heart Month.
On the first Friday of February national wear “red” day is held to draw attention to the fact that the #1 killer of women is heart disease. This year, 2018 marks the 15th year for this event.
There have been major strides made in the effort to eradicate heart disease in women, but still, 1 in 3 women will die from some form of heart disease and stroke.
The color red was chosen because it stands out. It has even been stated that red makes a person feel powerful.
The research has shown that women who participate in the events (wearing red) during February do the following:
- eat healthier diets
- exercise more
- insist on medical tests when having symptoms of stroke/heart attack
My best friend since second grade has had to change many things since suffering three heart attacks, the last one being a major one. Her challenges have made me more aware of my 
health. The symptoms of heart attacks for women are different from those for men. They can be:
- pain in one or both arms, stomach, back, neck or jaw–which is what my best friend had
- dizziness
- fullness in the chest with or without pain
Symptoms of a stroke can be:
- sudden blurred vision in one or both eyes
- sudden trouble speaking
- sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side
So wear something “red” on February 2, and donate to your local American Heart Association to stomp out heart disease and stroke in women.
To learn more about heart disease, stroke and how to donate contact your local heart association, The National American Heart Association or The Tarrant County Heart Association.
Remember “thisisyourbestyear”–Go Red for Women.
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