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Raise awareness for women's heart health on National Wear Red Day, February 6

1 in 3 women dies of heart disease and stroke, but cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable

LYNNWOOD, WA (February 3, 2015) - The City of Lynnwood along with the American Heart Association (AHA) urges Puget Sound women and men to “Go Red for Women” on Friday, February 6, 2015. The national icon day is meant to bring attention to an alarming fact: one out of every three women dies of heart disease and stroke annually in the United States, or approximately one woman every minute. 

Although a leading health threat, 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events could be prevented. “Only one in five American women believes that heart disease is her greatest threat.  Most women believe it is cancer when in fact it is not, it is heart disease,” reports Marielle Harrington, Healthy Communities Coordinator. 

The City of Lynnwood shares that to “Go Red” means to: 

• Get your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. 
• Own your lifestyle:  Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy. 
• Raise your voice:  Advocate for more women-related research and education.
• Educate your family:  Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active. 
• Don’t be silent: Tell every woman you know that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. Raise your voice at GoRedForWomen.org.

The City of Lynnwood, Mayor Smith, Councilmembers and staff, stand with heart and stroke survivor Brandi Aubrey to proclaim Friday, February 6 National Wear Red Day. You can join the effort by wearing red on Friday, joining a Go Red event, or by learning CPR. 

Several landmarks around Puget Sound will feature red lighting on February 6 to help raise awareness, including an LED of the symbolic red dress on top of Pike Place Market all weekend. Landmarks that will go Red include:  Bank of America Plaza Downtown Seattle, Cheney Stadium, Pacific Science Center Arches, Pike Place Market, Redmond Town Center, St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Union Square One and Two, Waiting for Interurban Statues (Fremont), and Westin Towers. 

GO RED FOR WOMEN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN PUGET SOUND

• Puget Sound Women’s Show, Feb 7, 11am. Join the American Heart Association, Showcase Magazine, and Tacoma Mall for fun activities, including Hands Only CPR. Open to the public. 
• Donate at QFC Grocery Stores.  Make a donation to the American Heart Association at QFC stores throughout February. Use the coin boxes at checkstands or make a donation using a $1 or $5 scan card at checkout. 

About Go Red for Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women because it’s not just a man’s disease. In fact, more women than men die every year from heart disease and stroke. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women's heart health. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's, with additional support from our cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278).  

WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE STATISTICS

Cardiovascular diseases cause one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute. 

• An estimated 43 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases. 
• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke. 
• 80% of heart disease and stroke events could be prevented. 

Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease & stroke. 

• Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack 
• The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women vs. men, and are often misunderstood – even by some physicians. 
• Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. 
• Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke. 

Heart disease and stroke affect women of all ethnicities. 

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for African-American women, killing nearly 50,000 annually.
• Only 43% of African American women and 44% of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk, compared with 60% of Caucasian women. 
• Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 48.9% have cardiovascular disease. Yet, only 20% believe they are at risk. 
• Only 50% of African-American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. 
• Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women. 
• Only 3 in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed that they are at a higher risk. 
• Only 1 in 4 Hispanic women is aware of treatment options. 

Women who are involved with the Go Red For Women movement live healthier lives. 

• Nearly 90% have made at least one healthy behavior change. 
• More than one-third has lost weight. 
• More than 50% have increased their exercise. 
• 6 out of 10 have changed their diets. 
• More than 40% have checked their cholesterol levels. 
• One third has talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans. 

Free Wear Red Day materials, Go Red For Women event information, and health resources are available by visiting PugetSoundGoesRed.org. On social media, the public is invited to share Go Red selfies with the American Heart Association by using #goREDseattle. 

About Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Our mission is to create a healthy community through people, parks, programs and partnerships. Lynnwood’s state-of-the-art Recreation Center attracts visitors from the greater Puget Sound region and is the hub of the department’s operations. Our parks system includes 17 parks, over 100 acres of open space, 14 miles of trails, a Senior Center and an 18-hole public golf course. To learn more, visit www.PlayLynnwood.com.   

About City of Lynnwood

Incorporated in 1959, Lynnwood is the economic hub of South Snohomish County. Situated at the convergence of interstates I- 5 and I-405, Lynnwood’s accessibility, variety of housing and employment options, colleges and outstanding park system attract a wide variety of businesses and residents. For its diverse population of more than 36,000, Lynnwood is a great place to live, work and play. Lynnwood Moving Forward: Our Community Vision – the City will be a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government. Lynnwood is…a great deal more!

Contact:
Marielle Harrington, Healthy Communities Coordinator
City of Lynnwood
mharrington@ci.lynnwood.wa.us
425-670-5532

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Lynnwood City Hall Supports National Wear Red Day!