Westport Participates in Wear Red for Women Day

Westport Town Hall was in the "red" today as First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff announced that Westport is participating in the American Heart Association's National "Wear Red Day for Women." 

"Wear Red Day for Women"  is held annually on the first Friday of February. The day is intended to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the Number One health threat facing women today.   

Joseloff issued a proclamation stating Westport's support of this event at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Westport Town Hall. During the brief ceremony, he was surrounded by Town Hall employees who wore red in honor of the event.

"Wear Red Day for Women" is held in tandem with National Heart Awareness Month, which takes place in February.

Today marks the seventh year that "Wear Red Day for Women" has been in effect.

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death among women. One out of every three women will die of heart disease.

Yet, according to the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org), only 13 percent of women believe heart disease is their greatest health risk.  While largely preventable, heart disease in women  often goes underdiagnosed and untreated.

National Wear Red Day is the one day each year dedicated to building awareness of risk, and raising funds for research and education on behalf of women everywhere.

Each year thousands of men and women at companies, organizations, churches and schools wear red  to fight heart disease on this day.   The color red is a symbol of women and heart disease.  By wearing red today, Westporters participate in this national movement and inspire women take action to reduce their risk of this serious, and largely preventable, threat to their lives.

"Residents are encouraged to wear red on Feb. 5 to show support for a change in awareness and proper treatment of heart disease in women," said Joseloff.  

In a separate announcement, The Westport-Weston Health District  issued its support for Wear Red Day For Women Day and will offer Cholesterol and Blood Pressure screenings on Saturday, Feb. 20, and Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. - 10a.m., at its facility located at 180 Bayberry Lane in    Westport.

Screening includes blood pressure, total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides and blood sugar.

With the information accrued through the screenings, health professionals will help those who attend to develop a  personal action plan to make heart-healthy choices.

Fasting for 12 hours prior to the testing is recommended. The cost for the screening is $25 payable by cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.

 Registration for the screenings is required. Visit  www.wwhd.org or  call Monica Wheeler, RN, MSN, at 227-9571, ext. 242.