Tomorrow, February 6, is National Wear Red Day. This is a nationwide effort to bring attention to heart disease in women. Many of you know that I lost my mom six years ago. One of the contributing factors to her death was heart disease, which she suffered through for over twenty years. And a few years ago, I had a scare of my own, when my blood pressure went out of control (after a lifetime of low blood pressure).
No one is immune to heart disease, and statistics show that women are more likely than men to die of a heart attack. And don’t ever think you’re too young for heart disease. The Go Red for Women website has a whole section of stories – true ones – from women 35 and under that have been affected by, or afflicted with, heart disease.
So, tomorrow, when you get ready for your day, wear red. And if you haven’t already, get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides checked. And do what you have to do to keep them in check.
For me, for my mom, and, especially, for you.
Jambalaya! 
February 5, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Since I have the same risk of heart attack or stroke as a 70 year old man, I will definitely wear the red tomorrow, and I’ll be thinking of you and your mom when I do.
February 5, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I’ll be wearing red tomorrow, even if I don’t leave the house.
February 5, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Thanks for reminding me!
February 6, 2009 at 11:14 am
I just thought I’d let you know I am wearing a red tie and red socks. Does my red hair and beard count? 🙂
February 6, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I don’t own anything red. I hope green will do – or perhaps my spotted Vans would work?
This is the year I go back to the doc. I’m not HAPPY about it, but I’m going. Getting to old to ignore taking care of myself.
February 6, 2009 at 6:52 pm
i wore a red sock… one of the truck drivers asked me why.. when i told him he told me to put on some pants.
the nerve and insensitivity of some people!
February 7, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I wore my red dress pin.
I was born w/a heart murmur. Spontaneous closure by age 9, according to catherization done at Tuero in N.O. So much for the dr who said I may not live to see age 30 when I was born.
Now I do take a mild dose of high blood pressure med. Blood work once a year and all that whether I like it or not.
February 8, 2009 at 11:34 am
I had the sudden surge of BP, too, after a lifetime of low BP. It’s in my genes. I need to do a much better job of taking care of my old heart.