Friday calls women to ‘Reclaim Your Rhythm’ in the Capital District.
The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is rallying women in the Capital District to “Reclaim Your Rhythm” on Friday, Feb. 4 as a part of the Association’s Go Red for Women National Wear Red Day.
This February, Go Red for Women is helping women reclaim their rhythm by promoting easy opportunities for them to build healthy habits that work best for their lives, giving them the best chance at life.
On Women National Wear Red Day, people are encouraged to crank up the tunes, get their groove on and wear red to raise awareness about the prevalence of heart disease in women and donate to save women’s lives.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last December, heart disease remains the greatest health threat for women, and COVID-19 is cited to be a likely influence upon cardiovascular health and mortality rates for years to come. This is why the American Heart Association has said its Go Red for Women movement is asking women to make moves today to have healthier tomorrows.
“I encourage every woman on that day to take a moment out for herself, and live in her most authentic place, even for a moment. It may mean listening to music, meditating, calling a friend, watching their favorite show, eating something healthy, taking a walk, or simply doing nothing at all. It is a day to honor yourself and your heart,” said Suzie Mookherjee, M.D., a cardiologist at Albany Med and member of the Capital Region Board of Directors of the American Heart Association. “Heart disease is not always obvious. We need to listen to ourselves, to our bodies, and ask the right questions. Make Wear Red Day the day you stand up and take action. Make it the day you look within, the day you make sure that you have done everything possible to live your best life.”
In the Capital District, the Men Go Red for Women campaign launches on Wear Red Day. So far, nine men have committed to supporting the Go Red for Women campaign with fundraising and awareness efforts.
Throughout the Capital Region, companies will illuminate their buildings red to show their support for the American Heart Association.
The Check It! Challenge also launches in February, American Heart Month. The free blood pressure monitoring program sponsored locally by SEFCU will let people take steps to fight the silent killer, high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. People and businesses can register at www.heart.org/checkitchallenge. Information is also available on the Web site, www.heart.org/CheckItNY.
The International Stroke Conference is set for Feb. 9 – 11 in New Orleans, bringing together leading scientists to present the most recent studies about stroke.
Through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association encourages people to take action in February by:
• Wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 4, 2022, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. The iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel are available at ShopHeart.org.
• Making a donation to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association at WearRedDay.org. Big Lots and the Big Lots Foundation will match online donations on National Wear Red Day, up to $333,333.
• Visiting CVS Health and making a donation at the register. Donations can also be made online at www.CVSHealth.com/GoRed.
• Join Research Goes Red, a joint collaboration between the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women and Verily’s Project Baseline to engage more women directly to participate in research.
• Joining the conversation by using #WearRedDay, #HeartMonth, #GoRed518 and #GoRedforWomen and tagging @AHANewYork on social media.
Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800- AHA-USA1.
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 18 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
— Katherine McCarthy, APR
Sr. Director, Communications
American Heart Association