How to Celebrate Heart Health on National Wear Red Day
Numerous studies have shown that most cases of heart disease are preventable through lifestyle changes such as proper healthy meals, regular physical activity, and stress management. Despite this however, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, the first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day, an important observance aimed at raising awareness about heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health, particularly among women. The American Heart Association (AHA) spearheads this initiative, encouraging people across the country to wear red to show their support for heart disease prevention and to highlight the critical importance of heart health.
Ways to Celebrate National Wear Red Day
Wear Red and Spread Awareness
As its name suggests, the most obvious way to celebrate National Wear Red Day is by wearing your favorite red clothing or accessories. Share photos on social media with hashtags like #GoRedForWomen or #WearRedDay to inspire others to join the cause. As you spread awareness, you can also educate those around you about heart disease and prevention.
Schedule a Heart Health Checkup
National Wear Red Day is a great reminder to schedule an annual checkup with your doctor. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests, can help identify risk factors of heart disease early.
Take a Family Walk or Hike
Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your heart in top shape. Try going outside for a brisk walk, a leisurely stroll, or a more challenging hike with your loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh air, bond with your family, create memories, and promote heart health.
Host a Heart-Healthy Potluck
Food plays a major role in heart health, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal with friends and family? Organize a heart-healthy potluck where everyone brings a dish good for the heart. Consider options like salads with leafy greens, grilled fish, vegetable stir-fries, or whole-grain pasta.
Pro-tip: You can also start a heart-healthy cooking class at home with your family or friends to share nutritious recipes that are good for the heart and yummy for the stomach. Need ideas? Check out Motivation Alliance’s recipe library!
Have a Heart Healthy Movie Night
If your group prefers a low-key activity, host a heart-health-themed movie night. Choose a documentary or film that focuses on the importance of healthy living and heart disease prevention. The American Heart Association offers many educational videos that explore topics related to cardiovascular health.
Pro-tip: To keep the night going, have a Heart Health Trivia or Quiz with your family or friends after the movie. List the things you learned and discuss them.
Practice Yoga or Meditation for Stress Relief
Stress is a known risk factor for heart disease, so taking time to relax and reduce stress is a crucial aspect of heart health. Invite your loved ones to a group yoga session or try a meditation exercise together. Motivation Alliance offers mindfulness practices in varying lengths and intentions to choose from – consider trying one out this week!
By participating in these activities, you’re not only showing your support for the cause, but also helping to foster lasting habits that promote a healthy heart for years to come. So, wear red, get moving, and share the love for heart health!
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Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). About women and heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 8). Mortality in the United States – provisional data, 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7331a1.htm
Go red for women wear red and give. www.goredforwomen.org. (2025). https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/get-involved/give/wear-red-and-give
Niti Aggarwal, M. D. (2024, June 14). Easy tips to improve heart health. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/easy-tips-to-improve-your-heart-health
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