WESTCHESTER- White Plains Hospital and The American Heart Association (AHA), the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, are rallying Westchester residents to wear red on Friday, February 2, 2024, as a part of the Association’s Go Red for Women National Wear Red Day.
Why? Because losing even one woman to heart disease or stroke is too many.
Why Go Red?
- Awareness is critical. Everyone needs to know that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women.
- Nearly 45 percent of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
- Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms, being the leading cause of maternal mortality.
- Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR and less likely to survive an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
- Only 38 percent of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants were women, as of 2020.
- “Know Your Numbers”: It is important to be aware of key personal health numbers that help determine one’s risk for heart disease; these include total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).
“The statistics about women and heart disease are staggering, and it is critical for women to understand their unique risk factors. The good news is that every woman has the power to improve her health and lower her risk through education and healthy lifestyle changes, and her physician or cardiologist can be a great resource,” said Dr. Shalini Bobra, cardiologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. “White Plains Hospital is committed to providing exceptional cardiac care for our community, and we’re pleased to collaborate with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of this important initiative.”
The AHA and White Plains Hospital encourage everyone to join the Go Red for Women movement by wearing red on Friday, Feb. 2, and making a contribution to the organization – and ask family and friends to do the same. Some ideas from the AHA include:
- Set up your personal fundraising page and find materials at WearRedDay.org. In just three easy steps, you can invite your friends and family to join in the fun.
- Shop and receive the AHA’s Red Dress pin as a symbol of commitment to ending heart disease and stroke in women everywhere. You can grab one at ShopHeart.org, or at Big Lots stores nationwide during the month of February for a donation of $2 or more.
- Join the conversation by using #WearRedDay, #HeartMonth and #GoRedforWomen on social media.
Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and in Westchester County by White Plains Hospital, Fujifilm and Northwell Health.
Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org.
