My entire month has basically consisted of how to make Birmingham (and really a myriad of other cities) Go Red For Women in the month of February.
It is important to know, just because the actions take place in February - does not mean we start in February. I have about a 2 1/2 week window of promotion, and right now - I am in the thick of it.
This year in particular, I am trying really hard to get into the spirit of GRFW. As you all know, I am seeing a cardiologist and I have major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. I am trying (well - taking one step forward, and two steps back) - but the point is I am making a conscious effort to reduce my risk factors. NO, I am NOT successful all of the time. But each time I take a moment to find a way to stop the risky behaviors, I am one step closer to reaching my goal.
My goal is:
1. Return to a healthy weight.
2. Get to a point where I no longer need blood pressure medicine
3. Lower my cholesterol and triglyercides. (sp)
Basic - 1.2.3.
February is Heart Awareness month. I think everyone should be more heart aware. In particular, the first Friday of each February is National Wear Red Day. This where we draw awareness to the Go Red For Women Movement.
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. One in three women suffers in silence, and almost one woman dies every minute of this largely preventable disease.
This year, Go Red is asking women to bring a voice to this silent killer –
SPEAK UP TO SAVE LIVES.
WHY SPEAK UP?
· Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year, about one every minute.
· While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, about 1 in 3 die from cardiovascular disease.
· More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
· Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
· Only 1 in 5 women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
· Heart disease is largely preventable. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.
WHY GO RED?
Research shows that women who “Go Red” are more likely to make healthy choices.
· More than one-third have lost weight.
· Nearly 55 percent have increased their exercise.
· Six out of ten have changed their diets.
· More than 40 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.
· One third have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION
This year, Go Red For Women invites women across the country to SPEAK UP TO SAVE LIVES.
· PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY (February 5th, 2010): Speak up by wearing red on National Wear Red Day and spreading the word to others to build awareness and inspire action.
· WATCH THE “CHOOSE TO LIVE” DOCUMENTARY: In partnership with NBC Universal, Go Red For Women produced the 30-minute TV special, “Go Red For Women Presents – Choose to Live!” The special, hosted by Hoda Kotb, premiered on NBC in national syndication beginning in September. Visit GoRedForWomen.org for local listings or to watch the special online.
· PROMOTE GRASSROOTS INVOLVEMENT
– Show Up: Attend a local Go Red For Women luncheon to learn more about how you can support Go Red For Women in your community.
– Speak Up: Make the hearts of your community stronger than ever by volunteering at your local American Heart Association office.
· SHOP GO RED: Go to ShopGoRed.com to support life-saving research and awareness programs by purchasing Go Red For Women apparel, accessories and other heart-healthy products.
· VISIT US AT GoRedForWomen.org: A premier source of information and education, GoRedForWomen.org is the No. 1 online destination where women can learn how to make heart-healthy choices every day.
– Go Red BetterU: A FREE 12-week online makeover that can change your life.
– Go Red Heart CheckUp: An online tool that provides a 10-year, personal heart disease risk assessment.
– Community of Stories: Join Go Red For Women to connect with others who are speaking up for women’s heart health nationwide and sharing their healthy choices.
– Consumer Education: Go Red For Women provides educational materials for consumers such as cookbooks, brochures, bookmarks, posters, Web alerts, etc.
For more information about Go Red For Women, visit GoRedForWomen.org or call
1-888-MY-HEART.
This year, Go Red is asking women to bring a voice to this silent killer –
SPEAK UP TO SAVE LIVES.
WHY SPEAK UP?
· Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year, about one every minute.
· While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, about 1 in 3 die from cardiovascular disease.
· More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
· Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
· Only 1 in 5 women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
· Heart disease is largely preventable. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.
WHY GO RED?
Research shows that women who “Go Red” are more likely to make healthy choices.
· More than one-third have lost weight.
· Nearly 55 percent have increased their exercise.
· Six out of ten have changed their diets.
· More than 40 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.
· One third have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION
This year, Go Red For Women invites women across the country to SPEAK UP TO SAVE LIVES.
· PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY (February 5th, 2010): Speak up by wearing red on National Wear Red Day and spreading the word to others to build awareness and inspire action.
· WATCH THE “CHOOSE TO LIVE” DOCUMENTARY: In partnership with NBC Universal, Go Red For Women produced the 30-minute TV special, “Go Red For Women Presents – Choose to Live!” The special, hosted by Hoda Kotb, premiered on NBC in national syndication beginning in September. Visit GoRedForWomen.org for local listings or to watch the special online.
· PROMOTE GRASSROOTS INVOLVEMENT
– Show Up: Attend a local Go Red For Women luncheon to learn more about how you can support Go Red For Women in your community.
– Speak Up: Make the hearts of your community stronger than ever by volunteering at your local American Heart Association office.
· SHOP GO RED: Go to ShopGoRed.com to support life-saving research and awareness programs by purchasing Go Red For Women apparel, accessories and other heart-healthy products.
· VISIT US AT GoRedForWomen.org: A premier source of information and education, GoRedForWomen.org is the No. 1 online destination where women can learn how to make heart-healthy choices every day.
– Go Red BetterU: A FREE 12-week online makeover that can change your life.
– Go Red Heart CheckUp: An online tool that provides a 10-year, personal heart disease risk assessment.
– Community of Stories: Join Go Red For Women to connect with others who are speaking up for women’s heart health nationwide and sharing their healthy choices.
– Consumer Education: Go Red For Women provides educational materials for consumers such as cookbooks, brochures, bookmarks, posters, Web alerts, etc.
For more information about Go Red For Women, visit GoRedForWomen.org or call
1-888-MY-HEART.
Locally there is a lot going on!
Friday, February 5th – National Wear Red Day
· Free health screenings are available for everyone at Princeton Hoover from 9am-1pm on Hwy 150.
· Free health screenings are available for everyone at Princeton Hoover from 9am-1pm on Hwy 150.
· Xcell Academy invites you to Go Red by giving a ten dollar donation and getting red hair extensions and more! Hwy 31, Hoover.
· Wear Red while shopping at Macy’s Riverchase and Brookwood and receive a free shopping coupon.
Saturday, February 6th – Go Red for Women casting call
· Time: 10am- 1pm
2pm- 5pm
· Venue: Macy’s Riverchase Galleria, Hoover.
· This is the chance for women to speak up and share their heart stories and help empower other women to live more heart-healthy lifestyles. Join the movement and also get a free heart checkup.
Tell us your story of the choices you have made to improve your health and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Save lives with the power of your very own voice. By sharing your story you will have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause – representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease.
· Time: 10am- 1pm
2pm- 5pm
· Venue: Macy’s Riverchase Galleria, Hoover.
· This is the chance for women to speak up and share their heart stories and help empower other women to live more heart-healthy lifestyles. Join the movement and also get a free heart checkup.
Tell us your story of the choices you have made to improve your health and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Save lives with the power of your very own voice. By sharing your story you will have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause – representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease.
CHOOSE TO SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF
· Choose to make your voice – and your heart – stronger than ever.
· Choose to “Say YES” to healthy behaviors.
· Choose to be a BetterU.
o Know your numbers (i.e., cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, BMI, etc.)
o Enroll in Go Red BetterU at GoRedForWomen.org
· Choose to join the conversation at GoRedForWomen.org.
CHOOSE TO SPEAK UP FOR OTHERS
· Choose to spread awareness of the No.1 killer of women. Save lives with the power of your own voice.
· Choose to support the movement at GoRedForWomen.org.
· Choose to educate your community about heart-healthy actions. Contact your local American Heart Association office to see how you can get involved with Go Red For Women.
· Choose to donate. Give from the heart to help fund life-saving research and education programs for women.
· Choose to make your voice – and your heart – stronger than ever.
· Choose to “Say YES” to healthy behaviors.
· Choose to be a BetterU.
o Know your numbers (i.e., cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, BMI, etc.)
o Enroll in Go Red BetterU at GoRedForWomen.org
· Choose to join the conversation at GoRedForWomen.org.
CHOOSE TO SPEAK UP FOR OTHERS
· Choose to spread awareness of the No.1 killer of women. Save lives with the power of your own voice.
· Choose to support the movement at GoRedForWomen.org.
· Choose to educate your community about heart-healthy actions. Contact your local American Heart Association office to see how you can get involved with Go Red For Women.
· Choose to donate. Give from the heart to help fund life-saving research and education programs for women.
If you are interested and need more information - please contact your local American Heart Association. You can find locations/contact numbers at http://www.heart.org/
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