Going Red

By Candy

Unless you live in a cave, you&#8217ve probably noticed that there&#8217s lots of red contrasting the dreary January landscape these days. Nope; it&#8217s not just every retailer gearing up for Valentines Day. But it does involve your heart in conjunction with many of your favorite stores.

Drum roll, please…

February is National Heart Health month &#8217 a time to give your heart some well deserved TLC. And what better way to kick it off than a drive for awareness with National Heart Association’s Wear Red Day (today!)? Simply wear your favorite red article of clothing or accessory in an effort to show support for heart disease, stroke victims and research.

Is your wardrobe a little lacking in the red department? No worries; many of your favorite retailers may be participating in this campaign (Macy’s is a major supporter). Purchase highlighted red items and a percentage of the proceeds will go towards the cause (www.shopgored.com). Don&#8217t forget to tell your friends, your professors, your floor mates and your parents to don their best red attire.

Although heart disease is the number one killer of women (and men), it is preventable. So do yourself a favor and get your own numbers checked out: your blood pressure, HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI and make the effort to eat well and exercise this month &#8217 better yet, for the rest of your life.

Check out www.goredforwomen.com to learn more.