The Kane County Health Department is supporting National Heart Month and reminding Kane County residents that Friday, Feb. 6, is National Go Red for Women Day!

“Why is red the color of our cause?” the American Heart Association asks. “Because it is the color of our hearts.”

Statistics show that 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year. It is the No. 1 killer in women.

That’s why I’ll be wearing red on Friday, and why I hope you will, too. On a purely personal note, Feb. 6, is the birthday of my mom, who died in 2012 from a number of complications that included the condition of her big, beautiful heart.

That’s also why I’m passing along the following essay from the GoRedForWomen.org website. The Kane County Health Department and I ask you to join the movement nationwide and learn how you can honor women like you on this important day.

Behind National Wear Red Day

by the Go Red For Women Editors

Ask any stylist, job coach or dating expert and they’ll tell you that red stands out. Eyes are immediately drawn to it. Some even say that the color red is a confidence booster and makes you feel powerful. Maybe that’s why we chose the color red to signify our fight against the No. 1 killer in women. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that it’s also the color of our hearts.

In 2003, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute took action against a disease that was claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year – a disease that women weren’t paying attention to. A disease they truly believed, and many still believe to this day, affects more men than women.

Stemming from that action, National Wear Red Day was born. It’s held on the first Friday in February every year to raise awareness about heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women.

This coming National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6, 2015, marks our 12-year anniversary. And looking back on all we’ve accomplished, we’ve really made tremendous strides. They include:

• Nearly 90 percent of women have made at least one healthy behavior change.
• More than one-third of women has lost weight.
• More than 50 percent of women have increased their exercise.
• 6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.
• More than 40 percent of women have checked their cholesterol levels.
• One third of women has talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.

But despite our progress, women are still dying. They’re still unaware of their risks and the facts. And now’s not the time for complacency. It’s time to stand stronger, speak louder and join us in the fight this National Wear Red Day.