Iowans are asked to wear red today (Friday), to help promote good heart health. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are major causes of death in Iowa, while survivors, volunteers, health care providers and donors are building healthier lives. Lauren Livingston, spokeswoman for the Iowa chapter of the American Heart Association, says everyone will be wearing red, even some buildings.

Livingston says, “We’re encouraging everyone we know, all of the companies, sponsors and volunteers across the state, to wear red in numerous ways, wear red in their clothes, to post pictures of themselves wearing red on social media, having educational materials at their workplace, turning their buildings red with light.”

Events are planned in communities across Iowa, including luncheons, dances, Red Runs and Red Dress Dashes, while schools are getting kids involved with Hoops For Hearts and Jump-rope for Hearts. Learn more at: www.heart.org/iowa.

(Radio Iowa)