American Heart Association Celebrates Heart Month and Wear Red Day

Each February, the American Heart Association (AHA) shines a spotlight on the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, heart disease. To save lives and raise awareness of this serious issue, the American Heart Association launched Go Red For Women and the red dress has become the iconic symbol of the battle against heart disease in women more than 10 years ago.

Throughout February, Oklahomans are encouraged to join the organization’s efforts by participating in National Wear Red Day, raise their voices, know their cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier lives.

Cardiovascular diseases causes one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.  Over the last 10 years, AHA has made remarkable progress through its Go Red for Women Campaign; however, there is still much work to do.  Nearly 1,100 women are still dying each day.

2016 Go Red For Women Chair, Jay Foley, COO for Cancer Treatment Centers of American said, “I personally understand the effect heart disease has on a family. It is so important for men and women to make their health a priority.”

Oklahomans are invited to champion AHA’s cause by participating in various events throughout the month:

February 5 -  National Wear Red Day
Show your support by wearing red to build awareness and inspire action. The AHA has created a free Wear Red Day activation kit. To access, please visit goredforwomen.org
Many local companies and organizations will celebrate the day by lighting their buildings red including BOK Tower, CTCA and Saint Francis Health System.
Post photos of your group wearing red or building going red, on social media using the hashtag #TulsaGoRed. 

February 5 – Little Hats Big Hearts
Mothers will be reminded to take care of their heart and their baby's heart when Go Red For Women volunteers deliver red hats to newborns at area hospitals. The red hats were knitted by local volunteers.

 February 6 – Tulsa Heart Ball
You are invited to attend the 2016 Tulsa Heart Ball at 7:00 p.m. at the Exchange Center at Expo Square. The evening includes a silent and live auction, dinner, live entertainment, dancing and the presentation of the 2016 Sweethearts & Mavericks. This social event is a party with a life-saving purpose. Tickets on sale now. Please contact 918-877-8378 or visit tulsaheartball.heart.org.

February 11 – Go Red For Native Women Heart Health Summit
This event brings attention to the high risk of heart disease in Native American Women. This event is free to attend and includes health screenings, educational sessions and luncheon. From 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Mvskoke Dome at Claude Cox Omni Plex in Okmulgee, OK. To register contact (405) 593-6931 or visit heart.org/okgorednativewomen

May 13 - Tulsa Go Red For Women Luncheon
The Go Red For Women campaign culminates with the Go Red For Women Luncheon, on May 13 at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa. For tickets or sponsorships please contact 918.877.8364 or visit tulsagored.heart.org.

The Go Red for Women Campaign is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and locally by Osage Casino, Oklahoma Heart Institute, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Saint Francis Health System, River Spirit Casino, BMW of Tulsa, Williams, Magellan, WPX Energy and media sponsors FOX23, Mix96, Tulsa World and Oklahoma Magazine.