Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States today. Heart disease knows no boundaries — age, sex, ethnicity or financial status. Women are at particular risk for a number of reasons, one being a lack of understanding of the risk factors involved; and another, the differences in the presentation of the symptoms of a cardiac episode in women.

During February, The American Heart Association and Go Red For Women target women to help raise their awareness in the fight against heart disease and in learning to “love your heart” to live a longer, healthier life.

Learn your numbers (weight, blood pressure, percentage of body fat, body measurements), evaluate your diet and exercise regime.

Taking preventive steps today can significantly reduce the chances of getting heart disease tomorrow, next year or 10 years from now.

On Feb. 1, join millions of women on National Wear Red Day, and wear red to help raise awareness about women and heart disease; to help the important women in your life … your mother, your daughter, your sister, but especially yourself ! Join the movement. Learn your numbers. Go Red and find your own personal way to fight heart disease.