The Pack Backs Women’s Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease kills one woman in the United States every 80 seconds.  That adds up to more than 500,000 deaths every year.  However, the organization claims that 80 percent of habits associated with bad cardiac health can be prevented through proper education and modifications.

University Recreation is taking a stand against cardiovascular disease by participating in National Wear Red Day on Feb. 2, which is an initiative started in 2003 by the American Heart Association as a part of their Go Red For Women campaign.  The organization has chosen the color red not only because it is the color of the heart, but also a color that boosts confidence and will draw attention to the issue.

The American Heart Association hopes to strengthen the campaign through its participants posting pictures of their red clothing throughout the day, using the hashtag #WearRedandGive.  Donations can also be made to help fund cardiovascular research on the organization’s website.   

NC State students are encouraged to participate in the campaign by wearing red around campus on Friday, Feb. 2.  That same day, University Recreation and NC State Dining will be partnering together to host a healthy eating demo in the Talley Student Union lobby from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  The demo will be followed by an information session on the Know Your Numbers Campaign, which is an initiative that strives to make individuals aware of numbers such as their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and body fat percentage.

Throughout the month of February, NC State students can participate in University Recreation’s Meet the Coach program.  Individuals will have the chance to receive free body fat composition testing and speak with a certified wellness coach to find out what their numbers actually mean.  This event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday in the Talley Student Union lobby, and every Wednesday during the same time at Carmichael Gym.

To learn more about cardiovascular health, go like The American Heart Association on Facebook and follow their Twitter and Instagram accounts @american_heart.  In addition to the Go Red For Women Campaign, NC State students can make an appointment to speak with a certified wellness coach at any time on University Recreation’s website.