Please consider sharing this article widely using the hashtag #HerHeartMatters.
It’s an alarming truth: Globally, heart diseases affect one in three women, yet, in 2022, women are under studied, under diagnosed, under treated, and under aware when it comes to their heart health.
This truth is evermore unpalatable considering 80% of a woman’s risk factors for heart disease are preventable, says Dr. Thais Coutinho, head of the Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and chair of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre.
We’re hoping to spur change this weekend and are calling on people from coast to coast to coast to wear red and post pictures on social media using the hashtag #HerHeartMatters on Sunday, February 13, Wear Red Canada Day.
Not sure what to share? Here are some tips.
Tips on what to share on February 13
Below are facts to help focus the national conversation about women’s heart health.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide.
- Heart attack symptoms are not recognized in over 50% of women.
- Causes of heart disease can be different for women than men.
- Women can be at greater risk for heart disease than men.
- Heart disease is largely preventable.
What else is happening this weekend?
There are many ways to participate in Wear Red Canada Day.
- Attend a national livestream presentation with Team Canada Olympian Madison Mailey (gold medallist, women's rowing), Angela Dufour (Olympian performance dietitian), and celebrity chef Andy Hay (MasterChef Canada), to learn about the importance of heart and vascular disease prevention and recovery.
- Take part in a virtual 5k between February 13 and 28 to raise awareness while getting physically active.
- Enter an engaging photo contest.
- Add a frame to your Facebook profile picture to show everyone in your network her heart health matters to you.
- Join cities across the country who are recognizing February 13 with official proclamations.
- Light your town red, like these historic and popular buildings, landmarks, bridges, signs, and storefronts across Canada.
Wear Red Canada is proudly hosted by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, powered by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.