Missourians to Kick Off American Heart Month During
National Wear Red Day on Fri., Feb. 1
The American Heart Association encourages people to wear red to raise awareness of heart disease
and share photos using #GoRedMO
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Missouri, taking the lives of 14,000 Missourians each year. The American Heart Association urges Missourians to support the fight against heart disease by participating in American Heart Month and wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 1.
American Heart Month
American Heart Month is a federally designated event that takes place every February. During Heart Month, the American Heart Association encourages people to focus on their heart health and to inspire their family, friends and communities to do the same.
The first American Heart Month took place in February of 1964.
It was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in December of 1963.
At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, with more than 17.9 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.
Stroke ranks second globally and is a leading cause of severe disability.
Missourians can participate in American Heart Month on the American Heart Association's Missouri Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and through the hashtag #GoRedMO. During February, Missourians are encouraged to post their picture making a heart with their hands and share why they will show more heart during American Heart Month with the hashtag #showMOheart. And in honor of American Heart Month, participating CVS MinuteClinics are offering no-cost heart health screenings every Thursday in February.
National Wear Red Day
While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman's greatest health threat. That's why the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, encourages people to show their support by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 1. Missourians are encouraged to red on February 1 and post their pictures to social media with the hashtags #WearRedDay and #GoRedMO.
Why Wear Red?
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
1 in 3 women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Women die each year because they are unaware of their risks of heart disease.
90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease and stroke.
80 percent heart disease is preventable through healthy lifestyle changes.
#NoMOHeartDisease
The American Heart Association recently launched #NoMOHeartDisease, a year-long initiative to reduce heart disease in Missouri. Through survivor stories, #NoMOHeartDisease educates Missourians on the risks and prevalence of heart disease, and the changes they can make to prevent it. February's featured survivors are Rocky and Lyla Valentine, a father-daughter duo from Springfield. Both Rocky and Lyla required heart transplants at a young age--Rocky at just 13 and Lyla at not even a year--due to dilated cardiomyopathy.
Of why he chose to be part of the initiative, Rocky remarked, "My wife and I became involved with the American Heart Association shortly after our daughter received her heart transplant. My daughter and I have benefited first-hand from research funded by the AHA. #NoMOHeartDisease is an opportunity for us to use our experience to help educate people and reduce heart disease in Missouri. My hope is that people follow the initiative and become more involved in their own heart health."
#NoMOHeartDisease can be found at heart.org/nomoheartdisease. The American Heart Association also posts about the initiative on their Missouri Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Life Is Why We Give
The American Heart Association funds scientific research that supports stronger, healthier communities. Over the last five years, the American Heart Association has provided more than $12 million to fund research studies in Missouri alone. During American Heart Month, people are encouraged to donate to help make a difference.
About Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent 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 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Julie Lay
Communications Director
American Heart Association
314-307-0510
Julie.lay@heart.org
