02/03/11 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Red will be worn every Friday in Fort Hays State University's Department of Nursing during the month of February as a part of the Go Red For Women Movement by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of women and heart disease.

Across the nation, thousands of women, television personalities, news anchors and local landmarks will wear red for National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 4, to help raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.

Only 55 percent of women are aware of that fact, and less than half know what are considered healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol. The Go Red for Women Movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.

Right now, one in three women dies of cardiovascular disease, and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease in the future.

For more information, go to http://www.goredforwomen.org/about_the_movement.aspx

FHSU students and faculty are also encouraged to make an appointment at the Student Health Center if they have any questions or for health screenings.