Why are so many people wearing red today? The answer is to help raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women.
The American Heart Association's (AHA's) Go Red For Women is asking all Americans to participate in its 12th annual National Wear Red Day, which falls on Feb. 6. The Association highlighted the fact that one in every three women will die from either heart disease or stroke.
"Heart disease is not just a man's disease, but only one in five women is aware it's their greatest health threat," said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, Director of Women's Heart Health, Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Fortunately, when it comes to beating heart disease and stroke, simple lifestyle changes such as following a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly can be the cure. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented."
Go Red For Women has saved more than 275 women's lives every day since it was founded back in 2004, but the organization hopes to make even greater achievements in the future.
Macy's customers who wear red or purchase a Red Dress pin for $2 at the store between Feb. 4 and Feb. 9 (or extended pin sale between Feb. 10 and Feb.16) will receive a 20 percent discount on regular sale and clearance merchandise and 15 percent off fine fashion and jewelry. One-hundred percent of the pin sales will be donated to Go Red For Women.
Women can also participate in the Go Red For Women's #GoRedSelfie contest by posting a photo of themselves on Twitter or Instagram using this hashtag.
Go Red For Women has launched a PSA in hopes of squashing some of the rumors that heart disease is only a threat to older men.
"In order to achieve AHA's 2020 goal - to reduce heart disease and stroke by 20 [percent] - we must overcome heart disease gender disparities," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "The Ad Council PSA sheds light on the misperceptions of heart disease and stroke in women, and emphasizes the urgent need for change."
