National Wear Red Day supports women’s heart health

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red Day.

The American Heart Association says it is a way to show support for women’s heart health.

Colline Miller is the marketing and communications manager for the American Heart Association of Chattanooga.

She says, “It’s so important that we raise awareness for women’s heart health because cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. We have several other statistics against us. Women are less likely to receive hands on CPR or any kind of CPR from bystanders much less than men are.”

Miller hopes that women will encourage other women to stay aware of their health.

“I hope that more women talk to women about what they’re experiencing. I’ve recently had a lot of conversations with four survivors that are participating in our go red for women’s survivor gallery and they’ve all said I just ignored the signs of symptoms,” said Miller.

A better diet and an active lifestyle can help keep the heart healthy, but there are some signs to look out for.

Miller says,  “Irregular heartbeats that’s a big one and just feelings of stress on your heart on your breathing. All of that could be something small or something even bigger like a heart attack on the way.”

The day is dedicated to heart health, along with the entire month of February.

Local tourist spots in Chattanooga will be showing their support.

“February is American heart month so today’s not the only day that we encourage you to pay attention. We ask you to pay attention to your heart health all year but this month we’re really focused and we’re really thankful for our partnerships in Chattanooga. You’ll see EPB‘s lights going red for the whole month of February, which is really amazing. Tennessee aquariums lights should be red tonight and showing off,  as well as City Hall are going red and Ruby Falls are turning their falls red all month long. We’re really thankful for those partnerships,” says Miller.