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February is focused around celebrating hearts. Not only will we honor those we love on the 14th, but the American Heart Association (AHA) is bringing cognizance to women’s heart health all month long.

The color red was chosen by AHA to represent women’s fight against heart disease while signifying joy, power and strength. The association began the “GO RED” challenge in 2004 with an objective, “to raise awareness that heart disease is not just a man’s disease, to stop and honor the many people struggling with heart disease, and to celebrate the advances we’ve seen over the years against heart disease and stroke,” stated Nancy Brown, CEO of AHA.

Women who take advantage of this challenge will learn their five cardiac numbers; total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and Body Mass Index. Along with this potentially lifesaving information, participants will receive a symbolic AHA Red Dress pin.

For the rest of the month, medical clinics throughout the county will join the nation in helping women get a heart health checkup encouraged by AHA’s GO RED challenge. They are excited to be part of GO RED, and to help educate local women on cardiac risks and potential areas where lifestyle changes could mean a longer, healthier life.

Teresa Wilhite, Receptionist at Main Street Medical in Thompson Falls, said the clinic has red dress pins ready to hand out. She emphasized that women should feel free to “call and make an appointment, we will be sure to get them in.”

According to AHA statistics, more than 670,000 lives have been saved since launching GO RED. Every 80 seconds, one woman will die from cardiovascular disease. However, the AHA also states that through education and lifestyle changes, 80 percent of cardiac episodes are preventable.