RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – When you pick out what to wear Friday, make sure it’s something red.
February 3 is national “Wear Red Day,” organized in order to raise awareness about the leading killer of women – heart disease.
The American Heart Association estimates one woman dies every minute from heart disease.
Yet despite the fact that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, it’s often misunderstood.
“Interestingly enough only one out of five women rate heart health as an important health topic for them,” says Stephanie White, Vice President of MeadWestvaco, “and so that is why the American Heart Association is really important so that we can help educate not only women, but men…and the community at large.”
Some risk factors of heart disease include: high blood pressure or hypertension, high cholesterol, and a history of smoking.
90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
February is National Heart Month and doctors say your best line of defense is to know what your risks are and how to identify a problem.
As part of Mayor Dwight Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign he will be encouraging the city’s employees to wear red. He is expected to hold a rally at Marshall Street Plaza at Noon which will include prizes and a 15-minute Zumba class, in order to raise awareness of heart disease among women.
Look for an update at CBS 6 news at Noon.
