Friday marks the annual observance for Women’s Heart Health and the Kentucky Department for Public Health is encouraging all Kentuckians to “Go Red” to show support for National Wear Red Day, created to highlight the dangers of heart disease among women.
A release says women and men of all ages will wearing red blouses, sweaters, shirts, ties, shoes, or other favorite accessories to show support for women’s heart disease awareness.
According to state public health officials, heart disease is the leading killer of Kentuckians, resulting in over 10,000 deaths each year. Moreover, officials say inpatient hospitalizations cost the state $2.6 billion in 2016.
Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager Bonita Bobo says heart disease is the single biggest threat to women’s lives but adds we struggle to understand the dangers and risk associated with heart disease. She notes awareness is important because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Bobo says that’s why they are asking Kentuckians to join them in raising awareness by participating in Go Red for Women.
Officials say the ultimate goal for National Wear Red Day, part of February’s American Heart Month, is to reduce the rate of heart disease among women. To do that, state health officials recommend avoiding the use of tobacco products like cigarettes, exercising more, and following a diet that includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, but avoids high salt and fat. Officials also recommend having a blood pressure screening and taking the necessary steps to lower blood pressure if the reading is higher than 120/80.
