Harrison County Go Red Committee plans heart disease awareness events in February

February is American Heart Month, and the Harrison County Go Red for Women Committee is doing its part to raise awareness of heart disease in women. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the national heart disease awareness campaign.

Eighteen years ago, the American Heart Association discovered that heart disease killed more women than men. Based on these findings, the AHA formed Go Red For Women, a campaign to bring awareness of heart disease through education. Accomplishments of the 18-year campaign include:

 34% fewer women now die from heart disease.

 More than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved.

 23% increase in awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women

Historically, women have not been associated with heart disease. However, statistics prove that heart disease is not just a man’s health concern. Here are a few facts:

 Heart disease is the number one killer of American women.

 One in three women dies from heart disease.

 About three million American women have had a heart attack.

 Cardiovascular disease kills nearly half a million women a year.

The campaign continues to urge women to know the risk factors: smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, overweight, physical inactivity, diabetes, family history and age (for women 55 and older). Having more than one risk factor increases your chances of developing heart disease. Women are encouraged to have a heart disease risk assessment as early as age 20.

The campaign urges women to know the risk factors: smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, overweight, physical inactivity, diabetes, family history and age (for women 55 and older). Having more than one risk factor increases your chances of developing heart disease. Women are encouraged to have a heart disease risk assessment as early as age 20.

Starting February 1, the committee is sponsoring Paint the Town Red. All businesses are encouraged to display red in windows or on buildings during the month. The committee is sponsoring a contest to decorate your business or organization in a heart healthy-related or red theme. The storefronts must be completed by Friday, February 4. The first place winner earns $100 and second place wins $50. To enter, please email Mollie Smith at msmith@hmhosp.org. Winners will be announced on February 28.  

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 4. The committee encourages everyone to wear red and post a picture to your social media accounts with the #goredharrisoncounty. Also, this year the Harrison County Schools will participate in the National Go Red Day on February 4.  In addition, Wear Red to Church Day is Sunday, February 13. We encourage churches to promote heart disease awareness by having your congregation wear red on February 13. Please remember to make sure your pictures are individual or socially-distanced and in masks if with someone else. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Harrison County Go Red Committee will not be having the annual Harrison County Go Red Celebration Reception. 

The Harrison County Go Red Committee is comprised of several members from various organizations and volunteers from the community.  Organizations sponsoring the events are Harrison County Extension Office, Harrison County School System, Harrison Memorial Hospital and Wedco District Health Department, 

If you would like additional information about a healthier heart, visit ww.hearttruth.gov.