The South Sound will be seeing red Feb. 6 when Tacoma joins cities nationwide in observing National Wear Red Day, an awareness campaign focused on getting women to take personal action against heart disease, the leading cause of death among American women according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

“Cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke and diseases of the heart, are the biggest health threat to women and many of us don’t realize it,” said cardiologist Uma Krishnan of MultiCare and a spokesperson for Go Red. “Most forms of cardiovascular diseases are also preventable, and Wear Red Day is the perfect time to highlight women’s power to fight back by simply making smarter choices for their heart.”

Events are planned throughout the day starting with a Go Red for Women Rally at South Hill Mall in Puyallup. Hosted by MultiCare, in partnership with AHA, the rally is aimed at helping women understand why heart disease is the biggest threat to their health and how they can minimize their risk. The event will also celebrate the renewal of wedding vows between stroke survivor Lori Manning and her husband Chuck.

RALLY FOR A CAUSE

Starting at 10 a.m. and going until about noon, the rally at South Hill Mall will offer health screenings, prize giveaways, a special appearance by Puyallup Mayor Dan Malloy, and an educational talk by Krishnan in which she will reveal heart disease statistics and risk factors, and things women can do to help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

“Women at the age of 50-55 automatically become at risk for heart disease,” Krishnan said. While risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, there are many other factors women can control such as cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and smoking.

“Our personal choices can turn into lifesaving actions, such as eating healthier, exercising more, or quitting smoking. These can have the power to change the statistics that heart disease kills one woman every minute,” according to Krishnan.

This is what Manning learned after she suffered a stroke when she was 35. A stressed out working mother with too many commitments and high blood pressure to manage, Manning said she was completely blindsided by a stroke that hit her five years ago, debilitating her ability to speak and comprehend.

“I could never say no,” Manning said of her life before her stroke. “I was under a lot of stress - just go, go, go.” This, combined with a mix of high blood pressure and birth control medications in her system, put her at a much-heightened risk. She went through patient rehabilitation and nearly two years of speech therapy to regain her independence. After she recovered she had her second child, but went through another scare a few days after delivery when she was diagnosed with heart failure. It turned out to be a temporary condition, and today Manning is a healthy and active wife, mother and volunteer for AHA.

“I had to make some changes in my life and realize what was most important to me,” Manning said. “Turning a negative experience into a positive one: that’s my main thing.”

Krishnan said young women could start now to lessen their risk of heart disease by exercising and eating healthy, not smoking, and knowing their family history. She noted that two-thirds of women who die from a heart attack had no prior symptoms of the disease, and after a heart attack twice as many women die as men.

“Minutes matter. If you experience the signs of a heart attack don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.”

Manning said she is “blessed” to have a husband like Chuck, who took seriously his wedding vow to stand by her, and their two children, in sickness and in health. “My husband is a really good man. I’m very fortunate to have him.”

The couple was married 13 years ago, and when they renew their vows Feb. 6, their son Spencer, 11, will be the ring bearer and daughter Miranda, 5, will be the flower girl. The wedding theme will be red, of course.

EVENTS GO RED FOR WOMEN

Other events happening on the day include:

• Bowling for Hearts in Proctor - From 5-8 p.m. at Chalet Bowl (3806 N. 26th St.), a $10 ticket entitles the holder to discounts and services at participating businesses and retail shops in Tacoma’s Proctor District, along with a goody bag. Visit Chalet Bowl to sign up for your “Bowl for Hearts” lane. Proceeds benefit Go Red for Women.
• Landmarks Go Red - Like last year, Tacoma General, Allenmore and Good Samaritan hospitals will be decorated in red lights.
• Wear Red at Macy’s - Macy’s will support Go Red through a special National Wear Red Day promotion in stores Feb. 5-8. Customers who wear red in Macy’s on these days will receive all-day savings throughout the store. Customers not wearing red can make a $2 donation to Go Red for Women and receive a red dress pin and all-day savings.
• Cell Phones Go Red - Text RED to 90999 to make a one-time $5 donation in the fight against heart disease.
• Sewing and Stitchery Expo - This year the Sewing and Stitchery Expo, Feb. 26-March 1 at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center, has designated Go Red for Women as its charity of choice. March 1 will be the official Go Red day at the expo, and the first annual Go Red Style Show will be held at 8:30 a.m. upstairs in the Pavilion on the main stage. The Go Red for Women booth will be there all four days, and daily drawings will be held.

For more information, visit www.PierceCountyGoesRed.org or call AHA at (253) 272-7854.