February 1st is National Wear Red For Women Day, and today I shot a PSA regarding the event for TV20.

The Go Red For Women campaign is embarking on their 10 year anniversary. It was started by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in 2003 as a way to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the #1 leading cause of death for women.

According to the http://www.goredforwomen.org/ website,Go Red has been able to accomplish the following:

• 21 percent fewer women dying from heart disease
• 23 percent more women aware that it’s their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications, and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

But like they state on their website, despite their progress, women are still dying from the disease. So I encourage you to do your part and get your yearly check-up and encourage your family and friends to get theirs as well. And, of course, wear red on February 1st to help raise awareness and show your commitment in battling this deadly disease.