Take heart! Go Red for Women on Friday, February 7

By Lynn Sprain, MS/RCEP/RT, Winona Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Did you know 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke? Now for the GOOD news… up to 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented. The first step is making sure that women are aware of their risk. February 7 is GO RED FOR WOMEN day. By wearing red Friday, February 7, we can help the American Heart Association increase awareness of heart disease and provide information about how to decrease the risk. Here are 3 things we all can do:

• Know your numbers: Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
• Take charge of your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight if necessary, be physically active and eat healthy. (Not always easy, but always worth the effort!)
• Educate and be a positive influence on others: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of good nutrition and being physically active.

Please share this information with your friends, family and co-workers and take action to decrease your risk for heart disease. Take control by making changes to improve your health, and encourage those you care about to find free information and resources at GoRedForWomen.org. Let’s share information so we can help decrease the number of our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends who suffer the consequences of heart disease. Make a difference and Go Red for Women. Hope to see you wearing red on Friday, February 7!