This Friday marks National Wear Red Day, an annual event in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement. The initiative aims to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading cause of death among women, and encourage proactive health measures.

In addition to general awareness, the organization has been working to address disparities in healthcare access among women of color. These efforts include improving access to quality care, increasing representation in medical research, and promoting lifesaving interventions such as bystander CPR.

For the past two decades, the Go Red for Women movement has been dedicated to advancing research, enhancing healthcare services, and advocating for inclusive health policies that support women’s cardiovascular health.

Dr. Disha Mookherjee, a cardiologist at Saratoga Hospital and a board member of the American Heart Association, emphasizes the importance of early intervention and personalized healthcare. She advises women to schedule regular appointments with their primary care providers and discuss any heart-related concerns.

“Having healthy fruits and vegetables. We know lean meats are kind of a baseline. But then, for others, depending on what your family history is and what your numbers look like when it comes to cholesterol and blood pressure, you need to know that stuff so you can tailor your intake and your lifestyle to help that—to help you be as healthy as possible,” Dr. Mookherjee explained.

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to participate in National Wear Red Day by wearing red attire to show support and spread awareness. By taking small but crucial steps—such as monitoring heart health, eating a balanced diet, and advocating for improved healthcare access—communities can work together to combat heart disease and promote overall well-being for women everywhere.