Go red for women! help fight heart disease.

​One in three women die from heart disease and stroke each year.  Roughly 55,000 more women than men die, annually, because of cardiovascular disease. 90% of all women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

Fortunately, the numbers can also be encouraging. 80% of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education.  Friday, Feb. 5 is National Go Red For Women Day.  Reach for the bold color in your wardrobe and get a conversation started about heart health and continue to build on progress that has been made.

The American Heart Association has a tool on its website called Life's Simple Seven that is designed to help people make changes that could help save lives. They include:  Manage Blood Pressure; Control Cholesterol; Reduce Blood Sugar; Get Active; Eat Better; Lose Weight; and Stop Smoking.

• Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
• Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.
• Raise Your Voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
• Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you & your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.

For more information, visit heart.org.