ST. CHARLES – This Friday, State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) is wearing red for “Go Red for Women” Day sponsored by the American Heart Association. Go Red for Women is a platform designed to increase awareness of women’s heart health and serve as a catalyst for change to improve women’s lives globally.
“With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of women, it’s imperative we raise awareness of this critical issue and promote heart health for men and women,” said Rep. Ugaste. “I’m wearing red today to encourage you to visit GoRedforWomen.org to learn more about this important initiative.”
In 2020, heart disease was the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., accounting for about one in every five female deaths, according to the CDC. Go Red for Women also highlights how cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of maternal death in the United States and approaching menopause marks a point when it is crucial to focus on overall health and when women’s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate.
Go Red for Women makes multiple recommendations for women to take charge of their heart health this American Heart Month and always. Go Red for Women and The Heart Truth encourage all women to schedule doctor’s visits to learn their personal health numbers. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) and assess their risk for stroke and heart disease.
February is American Heart Month for people to focus on their cardiovascular health. Women can find more information on how to take steps to improve their heart health by visiting GoRedforWomen.org. Men and women can also visit Heart.org for further information.