African American women have a 50 percent greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group. High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and cigarette smoking are contributing factors for heart decease particularly in women of color. Now, more than ever, and especially during a pandemic, we want our members to stay aware of their risk factors and take the necessary steps to practice self-care. In honor of “Pink Goes Red” for Heart Health month, chapter members wore red to bring awareness to the importance of good heart health. On the Community Impact Day, Friday, February 5, 2021 each member set a goal to walk ‘1908’ steps and posted pictures to their social media accounts using the hashtags #AKAMEO, #1908StepsToAHealthyHeart, and #AKAPinkGoesRed. Collectively as a chapter, members walked a total of 2,636,945 over a 30-day period!
“WE WEAR RED” to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke as well as honoring those who have been affected by these diseases.
Facts:
-Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African American women annually.
-Of African American women ages 20 and older, 49% have heart disease.
-Only 1 in 5 African American women thinks she is personally at risk.
-Only 52% of African American women are aware of the symptoms and signs of a heart attack.
-Only 36% of African American women know that heart disease is their greatest risk.
