National Wear Red Day
The first Friday in February (February 7) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes of helping eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.
History of National Wear Red Day
In line with other heart and soul-related themes of the month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness to women’s heart health. Women have been the heartbeats of the home since the beginning, playing multiple roles as mothers, daughters, sisters, counselors, providers, and protectors. Women shoulder more responsibility now in and outside the home than ever before. In-kind, they need more support in nurturing themselves as deeply as they nurture their families and communities. National Wear Red Day is a beautiful first step in giving women the world over the critical heart health information and services they need and deserve.
National Wear Red Day is supported by the American Heart Association and is celebrated in conjunction with National Heart Health Month. It focuses specifically on raising awareness of women’s heart disease and stroke risks. Cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths in women every year making it the number one health-related killer in women. The good news is 87% of all heart issues are believed to be preventable making awareness, education, research, and resources vital to the cause this holiday supports.
On this day every year, supporters wear their favorite red dresses, shoes, tops, and accessories in order to stand together with their affected sisters and encourage others to take preventative actions for the sake of their heart’s health.
National Wear Red Day Activities
1.Throw a Red Party
Bring some fun to your wellness goals by hosting a happy hour or dinner party with your friends and family. Serve heart-healthy hors d’oeuvres and discuss how you can all support one another in achieving and maintaining healthy hearts. If you are feeling really ambitious, scale up your party and turn it into a fundraiser for the Go Red and the American Heart Association.
2.Spread the Word
Share National Wear Red Day on your social media. Put on your most elaborate red frock, snap a selfie, and let your friends and followers know where they can get screenings, participate in Wear Red runs, and what healthy habits you will practice for your own heart health. Visit the Go Red for Women website for curated posts you can use on your social media accounts.
3.Shop
From office supplies to clothing and jewelry, every purchase you make on Go Red’s website goes towards funding the organization’s advocacy for women’s heart health. Shop for yourself or your nearest and dearest.
Why We Love National Wear Red Day?
A. Women are important
There’s a saying that when mom gets sick, everyone gets sick. The sentiment is that women are such an integral part of the functioning of our lives and society that when our women break down so does everything else. By encouraging wellness visits and regular self-care practices outside of doctor’s appointments we are doing our very small part in making sure our social structure remains strong and thriving.
B. Knowledge is Power
Our greatest defense in heart health is concise, accurate, and up-to-date information and resources. National Wear Red Day is on the front lines bringing awareness to women all around the world in practical and accessible ways.
C. Prevention leads to a cure
With 87% of heart disease-related issues being preventable, the lion’s share of the battle is fought before there are even signs of a problem. In this instance our grandmothers were right, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
References:
“National Wear Red Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-wear-red-day/