On the first Friday of each February, The American Heart Association (AHA) urges Americans to wear red to raise awareness about women’s heart health with its Go Red for Women campaign. Each year, women from all walks of life heed the call, donning red outfits and accessories, or sporting the AHA’s Go Red for Women pin.
Yet after Go Red day, many women once again forget to take action for heart health. This dangerous lack of awareness is why the Healthy Monday initiative is urging Americans to go beyond Go Red Day and sport something red every Monday.
Women tell women
“If more women wear red every Monday and share the reason with other women they meet, they can ignite a viral movement,” says Healthy Monday founder, Sid Lerner. “If every Monday each woman tells two friends, and they tell two friends, pretty soon women all over the country will have this lifesaving information. And, with Facebook, Twitter, texting, women have powerful tools to share this message with those they love.”
Why Monday?
Evidence suggests that the start of the week may be the most effective day to reach people with health messages. A nationwide survey conducted by FGI Research found that most of us see Monday as the day for a fresh start: it’s when we’re most likely to quit smoking, start a diet or begin an exercise regimen. What’s more, recent investigations found that Google searches for health information consistently jump at the beginning of the week.
According to the AHA, nearly half of American women do not know that heart disease is their number one killer and less than half know the best blood pressure and cholesterol levels for cardiovascular health.
Making red visible on Mondays could help sound the alarm and keep heart health ever present in the lives of American women.
Follow along
Healthy Monday offers 52 weekly tips on its Facebook page and Twitter to help individuals take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
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