Friday, February 2, 2018 is National Wear Red Day. This is an important day for all women, and is a very personal day for me, too. The mom of one of my best friends from high school suffered from a heart attack at a young age. By pure luck and the wonders of modern medical treatment, she survived. Today, she is vibrant and lives a full life. Annually, I am reminded of my friend’s mom’s scare and triumph when I see her and her granddaughters at the Go Red luncheon, where we get our fingers pricked and blood checked together. That’s just one the many reasons I personally support Go Red for Women and one of my favorite reasons for working for Mission Federal Credit Union—they believe in supporting the people who make up our community.
So what does it mean to Go Red for Women? Cardiovascular disease takes the life of one woman every 80 seconds in the U.S. 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. That’s why this year Mission Fed is supporting the conversation and asking that you wear red on National Wear Red Day® and donate to Go Red for Women. By doing so, you help support educational programs to increase women’s awareness and critical research to discover scientific knowledge about cardiovascular health.
You can also donate at any Mission Fed Branch, now through February 28! Visit any Mission Fed branch to get your Red Dress Charm Bracelet, while supplies last, for a suggested donation of just $10. Your donation will benefit the lifesaving work of the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association. When you make a minimum $10 donation for a Red Dress Charm Bracelet, we’ll also display a paper heart with your first name on it in our branch.
If you prefer to make a donation without receiving a Red Dress Charm Bracelet, we will display a paper heart for you for a minimum $1 donation.
Help spread awareness by wearing a Red Dress Charm Bracelet and raise much-needed funds with your generous donation. You can help prevent heart disease by learning your family history, understanding the risk factors and empowering yourself and your loved ones to live healthier lives.
We believe in our role as a committed community citizen; we also recognize that Go Red for Women is a movement that starts with you and we encourage you to make the time to “Know Your Numbers.” It’s knowledge that could save your life. Five numbers that all women should know to take control of their heart health are: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help women and their healthcare provider determine their risk for developing cardiovascular disease. It’s time for all women to learn the most critical numbers in their life — their hearts depend on it.
I have my Red Dress Charm Bracelet, and my daughter is wearing hers. I also have one for my mom, because heart health is a family affair. Join because, in my colleague’s words, “the women you care about, who are influencing and inspiring communities, mean the world to you.”
So please visit any of our 30 local Mission Fed branches from now through February 28 to get a Red Dress Bracelet, while supplies last. The suggested donation is only $10, but you can give more!
I invite you to learn more about Go Red for Women by visiting its website at www.goredforwomen.org and help your family and friends become aware of the number one health threat to women and men.
The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. Mission Federal Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided. References to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name in this article by Mission Federal Credit Union is for the information and convenience of its readers and does not constitute endorsement, control or warranty by Mission Federal Credit Union.
