Manchester Township is gearing up to “Go Red” on Friday, February 3, 2017, in support of women’s heart health awareness. In addition to adorning the Municipal Complex with red lights that day, our employees are encouraged to wear red in support of this important cause.
Held on the first Friday in February each year, National Wear Red Day began 15 years ago as a means of bringing national attention to the fact that heart disease is the #1 killer of women and to raise awareness of women’s heart health. According to the American Heart Association, in the 15 years since National Wear Red Day was founded:
- Nearly 90 percent of women have made at least one healthy behavior change.
- More than one-third of women have lost weight.
- More than 50 percent of women have increased their exercise.
- 6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.
- More than 40 percent of women have checked their cholesterol levels.
- One third of women have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
- Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day.
- Death in women has decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years.
“Considering heart disease is the number one killer of women each year, the more attention and information we receive about the disease, the better,” said Mayor Kenneth Palmer.
Despite the progress made in recent years, it is important to continue to spread awareness as one in three women die of heart disease and stroke each year. For more information or to make a donation, please visit the American Heart Association Go Red for Women website at www.goredforwomen.org.