Are you wearing red?
I hope so because today is National Wear Red Day in order to raise awareness of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases that affect women. According to the website, “cardiovascular disease in the U.S. kills approximately one woman every 80 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health.”
The whole month of February is Heart Health Month. In the past, I didn’t give this topic much thought, being a young and healthy woman. This year, as you might imagine, it holds a much deeper meaning for me. You see, I am a heart attack survivor.
I don’t have heart disease and I had no other risk factors except pregnancy. However, I made it a point to know the warning signs (I can thank my anxiety for that) and it really did save my life. So, I encourage all of you to take a minute to think about what you’re doing for your heart and then take a few steps to do better. If you don’t know how, a good place to start is the NC Division of Public Health’s website. And while you’re there, you can read the interview I did with them.
Sebastian and Mommy wearing red to show our support for heart health.
Today I’m wearing red for myself and for my son, Sebastian. I’m lucky to still be here to love him and to take care of him. He’s the best reason I need to take care of my heart. So, please take care of your heart so it can take care of you.
Why do you wear red?
I loved reading your survival story when you first shared it and I’m so glad you’re advocating for heart health! Despite relatively healthy habits both sides of my family have a history of heart disease, so on top of all my running and other activities I’ve been trying to tackle my diet aggressively to stay ahead of heart disease.
Loved reading your story! How awesome is to be a survivor and be able to share the importance of research and advocacy? Your son is so adorable 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Such a lovely photo of the two of you! Heart health is so underrated, yet (obviously) so vital. The number of people I know who have had heart attacks is staggering, yet I still don’t consider it often enough.
Such a beautiful photo of you two and an amazing testimony! I’ve had many family members to pass away from heart disease. Lifestyle changes would have prevented so much! Their illnesses and deaths taught me many lessons that I now pass on to my children.