Most people think they should wear red on February 14th, for that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, Hallmark holiday (flowers that redwere never delivered two years ago, a boyfriend who neglected to call last year…I have the right to be bitter, ok?).

Really, there is a much better reason to dress in crimson and we should do it this Friday, February 5th.

National Wear Red Day is an effort to promote awareness of women’s heart disease and heart health. The intention is to remind people that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear- It’s the #1 Killer of Women®.”

Want to know a way to show your support? Check out the toolkit of tips put together by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Here are some factors that contribute to heart disease. Are you at risk?

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight
  • Being physically inactive
  • Having a family history of early heart disease
  • Being age 55 or older