If you’re trying to decide what to wear today (Friday), consider something red, as this is Go Red For Women Day. Cassie Wessing, spokeswoman for the Des Moines chapter of the American Heart Association, says heart disease is the number-one killer in America and in particular, of women in Iowa, so wearing red is a show of solidarity and support. “We use this opportunity to get everybody out, get everybody dressed in red and to raise awareness that heart disease is taking the lives of one in three women each year, but we can do something about it,” Wessing says. “Eighty percent of cardiac events are preventable by eating healthy, not smoking, getting your recommended physical activity.”

Regular check-ups at your doctor’s office are also an important part in preventing heart attacks, something to which Wessing reminds, no one is immune.  “Sometimes we think we’re invincible but yes, they can happen to anyone at any age, anytime, but we can do something about it,” Wessing says. “We want people to stand up and take charge of their own health in the fight against heart disease.”

Several Iowa communities are holding “Go Red” events today, including a three-block-long Go Red Dash in Ankeny. Learn more at heart-dot-org.

(Radio Iowa)