McHenry Times

Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) wore red on Feb. 3 for Go Red for Women Day sponsored by the American Heart Association, according to a press release published by Ugaste on the same day.

“With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of women, it’s imperative we raise awareness of this critical issue and promote heart health for men and women,” Ugaste said. “I’m wearing red today to encourage you to visit GoRedforWomen.org to learn more about this important initiative.”

According to the CDC, heart disease was the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for about one in every five female deaths. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of maternal death in the United States, with the onset of menopause marking a time when it's important to focus on overall health, as well as when women's cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate.

Go Red for Women makes multiple recommendations for women to better manage their heart health throughout and beyond American Heart Month. The initiative, alongside The Heart Truth, encourages all women to schedule doctor's appointments to learn about their personal health numbers including those for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI), as well as to learn their risk for stroke and heart disease.

More information can be found at both the official Go Red for Women website and heart.org.