A Note From the Heart by U.S. Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
Dear All,
February is American Heart Month, and Friday, February 3, is National Wear Red Day®. I would like to encourage you to wear red to express your personal commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Today, nearly 43 million women—one-third of all women in America—are living with or are at risk for heart disease. By some estimates, that number could rise significantly by 2030. Heart disease is also the leading cause of death among women, claiming more lives than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and lung cancer combined. Women who suffer heart attacks are more likely to die from heart disease within a year than men, but are less likely to receive recommended care.
We’re working to change that.
Using powerful public-private partnerships that reach people where they are, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ Million Hearts campaign aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years.
Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health launched The Heart Truth® campaign and the symbol that sparked a movement—the Red Dress®. The campaign reminds women to protect their heart health. It also honors those affected by heart disease.
Raising awareness about risks for heart disease has done more than just inform women—it is motivating them to take action. According to a national study, women who know that heart disease is their leading cause of death were 35 percent more likely to be physically active and 47 percent were more likely to report weight loss than those who were unaware. Our efforts ensure that women are aware of their risk of heart disease and help women take action to lower their risk.
Show your commitment tomorrow by wearing your favorite red dress, shirt, or tie to call attention to women’s heart health.
Together we can help American women have healthier hearts and live longer, healthier lives.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Sebelius
