Take care of your heart: Regence partners with the American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart disease
Main image source: American Health Association
Despite the devastating toll of COVID-19, heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S and claims the lives of 655,000 Americans each year.
February is American Heart Month, a time to educate ourselves about heart disease and encourage friends and family to do the same. While heart disease can affect anyone, it continues to be the greatest health threat to women—claiming the lives of one in three women and more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.
Regence has pledged a three-year commitment to support the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women campaign. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire all women to take charge of their health, while advancing conversation and research around heart disease.
Here’s how you can join Regence and the American Heart Association in the fight to end heart disease:
- Make healthy living a priority. Nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through modest lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating healthy and managing blood pressure. Consider taking advantage of wellness tools and resources offered through your health plan. Most Regence members have access to the Regence Empower well-being platform, and we also offer self-care resources and wellness tips online from our experts on regence.com.
- Wear red on Fri., Feb. 5. On Friday, wear red to raise awareness about heart disease and show support for the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign. To participate, simply take a photo of yourself wearing red and post it to social media, including the hashtag #WearRedDay.
- Get involved with your local American Heart Association chapter. Each year, thousands of women gather at over 180 Go Red for Women luncheons in communities across the county, united by a common purpose to end heart disease and stroke in women. While events will be virtual this year, consider showing your support by joining one of these events, hosted by your local chapter and supported by Regence:
Washington: Live Fierce, Puget Sound ‘Go Red’ Digital Experience – Feb. 24, 11:30 am. to 1 p.m. Pacific time
Idaho: 2021 Idaho Go Red for Women Digital Experience – Feb. 16, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain time
Utah: 2021 Utah Go Red for Women Digital Experience – March 12, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain time
Oregon: Go Red digital experience planned for fall 2021 – stay tuned for more information!
- Understand your family’s health history. Family medical history is a key risk factor for heart disease and associated symptoms like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Make sure you know about your family’s health history and talk with your doctor about it during your annual physical.
Regence and the American Heart Association are committed to advancing heart health education to reverse the impacts of the greatest health threat to women. Check back on our blog throughout Heart Month to learn more about the prevention of heart disease and tips to keep you and your family healthy.
