In a powerful display of solidarity and awareness, team members gathered in the corporate office lobby today for a “Wear Red for Women Day” event. Participants, wearing various shades of red, came together to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
Heart disease affects millions of women across the country, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control revealing that over 60 million women (44 percent) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Shockingly, it claims the lives of more women than any other cause. In 2021 alone, it was responsible for the deaths of 310,661 women, constituting about 1 in every 5 female deaths.
One of the primary goals of the AFS event was to shed light on the alarming fact that only about half (56 percent) of women in the United States recognize heart disease as their number one killer. The Wear Red for Women Day event served as a beacon to bridge this awareness gap and encourage women to prioritize their heart health.
During the event, attention was drawn to the five symptoms of a heart attack. By understanding these signs, women can take proactive measures to address potential heart issues promptly. The symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
By raising awareness about these symptoms, the Wear Red for Women Day event aimed to empower women to recognize potential warning signs early on and seek medical attention promptly. This emphasis on education and awareness is a crucial step in the ongoing battle against heart disease.
“The Wear Red for Women Day event was a resounding success,” said Sarah Pettit, one of the organizers. “It not only brought people together in a visual display of unity but also imparted critical information about heart health that has the potential to save lives.”