Department of Health

Department of Health 'Goes Red for Women'

Heart disease is the number one killer of women

March 3, 2015 | 2 min reading time

This article is 9 years old. It was published on March 3, 2015.


Group photo of Health Dept. staff sporting red in support of National Wear Red Day

In celebration of National Wear Red Day on February 6, 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) staff joined the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention among women.  Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer.  In fact, heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women, yet it is 80% preventable.  In addition to bringing attention to heart disease and stroke, National Wear Red Day is also a call to action for women to know their cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier lives.

DOH staff in the main lobby at 1520 Market for National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6, 2015.

Dept. of Health staff on National Go Red Day 2015

Dressed in vibrant shades of red, DOH staff gathered in the main lobby of 1520 Market Street on Friday, February 6th to bring attention to heart disease.  To participate in the online movement, photos were taken and shared via DOH social media sites, complete with the hash tags #GoRed and #NationalWearRedDay.  Even the snacks "went red"; employees were provided heart-healthy strawberry trays as a special treat.

Even the snacks

Prevention of heart disease involves addressing several aspects of health.  Eating a healthy diet that is high in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, and low in fat and sodium will help reduce one's risk.  Being physically active on a regular basis will keep the heart muscle in top working order.  Getting to a healthy weight and maintaining it will reduce the stress on the heart.  Quitting smoking will drastically reduce heart disease risk.  Managing stress can also promote good heart health.  If you want to do a quick check to identify your current risk for heart disease, please click here.

Since 2003, National Wear Red Day has taken place on the first Friday of February.  For more information on this campaign, visit the following website:  www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday/.  To find out more about ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, check out the many resources available at the American Heart Association's website at www.heart.org.   

Health Department
City of St. Louis
  • Department:
    Department of Health
  • Topic:
    Employees