Students and teachers are wearing red on February 19^th to bring attention and awareness to the problem of heart disease in the United States. 1 in 5 women believe that heart disease is their greatest health threat. However, another major killer -breast cancer- is responsible for the deaths of 1 of 31 women’s lives. Heart disease causes 1 in 3 women’s deaths in the United States, which is approximately one death every minute.

Heart disease is a deadly condition, but many of those deaths are considered avoidable. This emphasizes the importance of raising awareness so that lives can be saved. 80% of heart disease and stroke cases in women are preventable. It is estimated that 43 million women are affected by heart disease and according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; heart disease is the leading killer in the United States. Every 34 seconds, someone is the U.S. has a heart attack and every 60 seconds, someone dies from a heart disease related event.

“It is hard to change because people are in a hurry, they do a lot of things, so fast food is quick and easy and available so it’s hard to stop eating that stuff when it is right there,” said Mrs. Perry.

A key strategy for addressing heart disease and stroke is to educate the public and healthcare practitioners about the importance of prevention. When healthcare providers perform consistent risk factor assessments, more patients can be properly diagnosed and medically managed to prevent cardiovascular disease. Both primary and secondary prevention, as well as new developments in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, need to be addressed.

“Increasing your activity is a great way to do it and that’s an easy thing to do. Just be more active,” said Mrs. Perry.

Heart disease is preventable. Exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, and avoid illegal drugs are ways to help decrease your risk of heart disease.