Celebrate 10 years of 'going red'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - In 2003, the American Heart Association faced a challenge; cardiovascular disease was claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 American women annual, yet women were not paying attention.  In an effort to dispel the myths of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created National Wear Red Day® to raise awareness of this critical issue.  Each year, on the first Friday in February, millions of women come together to wear red, take action and commit to fighting this deadly disease.

Since the first National Wear Red Day 10 years ago, tremendous strides have been made in the fight against heart disease in women, including:

•21% fewer women dying from heart disease
•23% more women aware that it's their number one 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 American Heart Association is holding two upcoming Go Red for Women events in your area.

Southwest Michigan Go Red for Women Luncheon
Friday, February 8, 2013
Radisson Plaza Hotel - Kalamazoo

West Michigan Go Red for Women Conference
Friday, February 22
Noto's Old World Cuisine - Grand Rapids

For more information or to register for these events click here.