Go Red Event This Friday

The Mobile County Health Department is encouraging women to take part in Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 5. By wearing something red, such as a red dress, a red shirt, or red lipstick, women can show support of Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association’s program to build awareness of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases among women.

According to Dr. Bert Eichold, Health Officer, only 1 in 5 women believes that heart disease is the greatest threat to her health. In fact, he says, it is the No. 1 killer of women over the age 20.

“Cardiovascular disease kills more than 460,000 women every year, more than all forms of cancer, chronic lung disease, pneumonia, diabetes, accidents, and AIDS combined,” Eichold says. “However, it is largely preventable.”

Go Red for Women recommends taking the following steps to improve heart health:
 Lose weight
 Increase amount of exercise
 Follow a proper diet
 Get cholesterol checked
 Investigate family’s history of heart disease
 Talk to a doctor about personal health risks.

For more information about Go Red for Women, go to GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-My-Heart (1-888-694-3278).