By Andrea Fernandes
Features Editor
As the number-one killer of American women, heart disease claims the lives of half a million women each year. Today, individuals nationwide can take part in an event to raise awareness for this deadly disease.
The American Heart Association started Go Red for Women Day in 2003. A red dress has since become the iconic symbol of this day.
Meredith Coon, communications director at the American Heart Association (AHA) in New York City, believes that Wear Red Day is a day of which college students should be aware.
“Heart disease and stroke can happen to anyone–even college students,” Coon said. “If college students start making changes now, like exercising and eating healthy, they can lead longer and healthier lives.”
Gabrielle Hurley, a sophomore finance major, understands the severity of heart disease and plans to do everything to not only avoid getting heart disease, but also to raise awareness so that others might do the same.
“My dad works for the AHA so he’s always telling me about heart disease,” Hurley said. “Being that February is National Heart Month, we should be aware of Wear Red Day because people should know that heart disease can be prevented.”
Hurley added that as a woman, National Wear Red Day has always been important to her. She intends on wearing red today and getting her friends to do the same.
“I thought the number one killer of women in America was breast cancer,” Fernanda Juarez, a sophomore biology major, said. “I think more people should know about Wear Red Day in order to raise awareness that heart disease, not breast cancer, is the number-one killer of women.”
Joining the cause is simple. Today, people in New York City can expect to see a few places doing their part to raise awareness.
“On Wear Red Day, key landmarks and buildings will glow red, and anchors from coast to coast will wear red to help spread our message,” Coon said.
Students who want to help raise awareness can do so by wearing red today. For those who are willing to take an extra step, donations can be made through the Go Red for Women website. The money will go towards funding for medical research and educational teachings to raise awareness for heart disease, in an attempt to help women live longer and healthier lives.
“Since the movement started in 2003, we’ve seen a lot of positive changes,” Coon said. “Death in women has decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years and nearly 90 percent have made at least one healthy behavior change.”
Coon added that those who wear red on Go Red Day can send their pictures to the AHA by tagging @foundersheart on Instagram and Twitter. Also, “like” them on facebook.com/nycheart.
“Wear Red Day is a great time to raise awareness and let others know their cardiovascular risk and take action,” Coon said.
