National Wear Red Day
Celebrated annually on the first Friday of February in the U.S., National Wear Red Day is a holiday where men and women wear the color red to raise awareness about the number one health problem affecting American women – heart disease. It’s also a day when women are encouraged to find out their five most important health numbers: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and BMI (Body Mass Index). By knowing these numbers, women can determine their risks for developing heart disease and take measures to prevent it.
United States (Observance)History of National Wear Red Day
This holiday can be traced back to 2002 when the day was established by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Every year since its inception, this campaign has continued to reach a wider audience, resulting in greater awareness about heart disease and how it affects women. It has also prompted quite a bit of change in behavior. Since it started, a third of women in the U.S. have lost weight, and half of them are now more physically active.
Heart Disease Facts
- Heart disease kills one woman every 80 seconds.
- Every year, 30% of deaths among women in the U.S. are caused by heart attacks and strokes.
- 64% of women who die suddenly from heart disease have no prior symptoms.
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking all contribute to heart disease.
- Physical inactivity is also a contributing factor to heart disease.
Celebrating National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day isn’t an official holiday, so government buildings, post offices, and businesses remain open. On this day, many people wear red to promote heart-health awareness among women. Some also use this day to raise money for various heart-related charities, such as the American Heart Association. On social media, many people use the hashtag #GoRedWearRed to help bring attention to the day.
It’s also a good day for women to get their numbers checked. Having your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood sugar, and BMI checked is a good way to find out if you’re at risk for developing heart disease.
Conclusion
National Wear Red Day is an excellent way to raise awareness about the growing epidemic of heart disease in women. It is also a good day to show the woman in your life that you care about her health by wearing red in public. And if you’re a woman, then you might want to use the day to learn your five numbers and find out what you can do to live a healthier, and ultimately happier, life.
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