Nassau County residents join their counterparts across Long Island this Friday, February 5
, to focus attention on and raise funds to fight the nation’s number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano will light the dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building red tonight in recognition of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) National Wear Red Day.
National Wear Red Day, supports events throughout the area in an effort to draw attention to and educate the public about the dangers associated with cardiovascular disease.
County Executive Mangano stated, “It is imperative that the message be reiterated time and again that cardiovascular disease kills and women are the primary victims. Women account for approximately 61 percent of all stroke deaths annually and heart disease is the number one killer of women age 25 and older. We need to make every effort we can to turn these statistics around and that can only be done through research and education.”
In 2014, the American Heart Association launched their new “Life is Why” campaign to create a more personal and emotional connection with consumers to ask themselves why we do what we do, or more specifically why we should chose to live healthier lifestyles. County Executive Mangano, who has made health and fitness a priority under his administration, said the AHA’s Go Red For Women campaign – sponsored nationally by Macy’s – urges women to take charge of their health. County employees are encouraged to wear red on February 5th, and to make a donation of $5 or more to support research that helps ensure women are represented in clinical studies. Each participant will receive, a “Life is Why” Go Red for Women red arm band or a Go Red pin to wear as well as receive information about making healthy choices.
Since 1949, the AHA has spent more than $3.3 billion on research to increase our knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and stroke and has funded life-saving educational programs and tools for physicians. Additional information about National Wear Red Day and Go Red For Women is available by calling 1-888-694-3278 or visiting www.GoRedForWomen.org.
