February is known for showing declarations of love, specifically on Valentine’s Day. Since conversation hearts and other candies take on the heart-shaped form, it is only fitting that February is American Heart Month.According to the American Heart Association Web site, Congress has required the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month” since 1969. Congress wanted this heart awareness month in order to “urge Americans to join the battle against cardiovascular diseases.”
Today, millions of Americans have forms of a cardiovascular disease, including congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. By exercising regularly, maintaining healthy eating habits, avoiding tobacco use and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, the risk of having a heart disease can be reduced.
To celebrate heart awareness, the American Heart Association sponsored the first of February as “National Wear Red Day.” Everyone across the country is encouraged to wear red to show support for women and the fight against heart disease. This year marks the fifth anniversary of “Wear Red” day.
This past “Wear Red” day, Macy’s, a proud supporter of “National Wear Red Day,” helped celebrate the fifth anniversary by offering their shoppers an all-day savings pass if they wore red apparel. If consumers forgot to wear red, then they could receive the savings pass by donating $2 in the store to the American Heart Association. All contributions that were received went to the “Go Red for Women” movement.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women, according to the American Heart Association. By spreading the “Go Red for Women” campaign, it raises awareness about cardiovascular diseases and empowers women to reduce their risk.
Throughout the month of February, different corporate sponsors spread the word for the campaign by partaking in various events and activities. Clairol Professional products will donate 20 cents for every product sold until June 2008. They are estimating the total donation to be $100,000.
Kellogg’s Smart Start Healthy Heart cereal is asking consumers to take their “Love Your Heart Pledge.” By taking the pledge, a person is committing to living a healthier life and taking care of his/her heart. For every pledge received, the Kellogg Company will donate $1. They hope to receive enough pledges to donate $100,000.
Rite Aid stores across the country are asking their customers to purchase a paper red dress to hang in their stores. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit “Go Red for Women.”
Everyone can do something in order to participate in American Heart Month. A person can purchase any of the products listed or simply wear red to spread the word.
Planning a day at the work place for all employees to wear red is a good way to raise awareness and have staff unity. Also, people can print out red dress stickers from the Go Red for Women website and wear that with any outfit to show support. To acquire a sticker, visit www.goredforwomen.org.
To find out more information about American Heart month or how to help, go to the American Heart Association website, www.americanheart.org.
Amanda Tingle is a third-year student majoring in secondary English education with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at AT610629@wcupa.edu.