COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – People across the country wore red Friday to mark National Wear Red Day, an annual campaign to raise awareness about women’s heart health.
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women nationwide. The American Heart Association warns that heart disease accounts for one in three deaths each year among women, more than all forms of cancer combined.
Heart disease and stroke can affect women at any age. Health officials say it’s important for women to know their risk factors and take steps to reduce them by talking to their doctors about prevention strategies.
“Whether it’s lifestyle changes, food choices, sleep advice being checked for sleep apnea. And then for some, it’s medications to manage some of the health factors,” a medical professional said.
Doctors say small changes can have an enormous impact over a lifetime. The campaign coincides with American Heart Month, which health advocates say provides an ideal time to start improving cardiovascular health.
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