Local residents are asked to join the national celebration recognizing the affects of heart disease.
Friday is National Wear Red Day.
The first Friday in February has been set aside for Americans nationwide to wear red to show their support for heart disease awareness.
The yearly event has been designated by The Heart Truth, which is the national campaign for awareness of women’s heart health.
The event is sponsored by the American Heart Association, along with several other organizations.
This year, the City of Laurel is participating in this program.
“This is a very worthwhile program,” Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack said. “It’s something that everyone needs to learn more about.”
Supporters said all citizens – male and female – are urged to take part in the event.
Faye Jackson, a local resident who is spearheading the local awareness campaign, said heart disease affects many.
Jackson said her daughter, Kaila Porter, died of heart disease in 2006.
“Kaila had heart disease all of her life and she had two heart attacks,” Jackson said. “She died at 23 years of age.”
Jackson said heart disease is “a silent killer.”
Laurel Councilwoman Willie Evans said education about the disease can make a difference.
“We want people to be aware that heart disease is a serious problem for women and men,” Evans said.
Mack, who has experienced a heart attack and two double bypass surgeries, said he’s encouraging everyone to become aware of their “heart health.”
Mack said people historically, have failed to make the connection between risk factors – such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol – and their personal risk of developing heart disease.
“Women’s risk of heart disease begins to increase between ages forty and sixty,” he states in his proclamation. “Research reveals that most women underestimate their personal risk and do not fully understand the devastating impact that heart disease has on one’s life and family.”
Red Dress Day is a program which was begun in 2001 when 70 leading experts in women’s health sought to develop a national action plan to reduce the toll of heart disease on American women.
The Red Dress is designed to get attention, to convey the seriousness of heart disease, and to change the perception that heart disease is only a man’s issue.
Mack has declared Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, as National Wear Red Day in the City of Laurel and encourages all citizens to educate themselves about the risk factors of heart disease in women, the seriousness of the impact of heart disease on women and their families, and the importance of taking actions among women to protect their heart health.
Supporters said by taking part in the event, participants can be helping to save lives.
National Wear Red Day promotes the symbol and provides an opportunity for everyone to unite in this life-saving awareness movement by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, or Red Dress Pin.
Anyone wanting more information about the event can go to the website: www.goredforwomen.org
Jackson said a program is also being planned for 3 p.m. on Feb. 14 at St. Elmo Baptist Church. She said additional details will be announced soon.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo/Eloria Newell James
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Event promotes heart disease awareness for women
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