By Teeona Wilson
Seattle Graduate Chapter, Delta Upsilon Omega Member
In the month of February and specifically on the 1st Friday of the month, February 6th, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. wear red in support of heart disease awareness. This very dangerous disease is the number one killer in today’s society. As one of the sorority’s five target areas, “Health Promotion,” it is very important to understand and be educated regarding the severity of this disease because heart disease and stroke kill one in three women, yet it’s 80% preventable.
Why red do you ask? Other than the fact that it’s such a dominant and striking color, simply put—we wear red because it’s the color of the heart. This movement has lasted for the last twelve years, it first started by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Across the organization and nationally amongst the world, we hope to bring so much awareness to the disease that it helps more women become mindful of their risk to this disease and learn about their family history. The more you know, the better you are at preventing a positive diagnosis.
As an African-American woman tempted to indulge in the many unhealthy choices our society has to offer, I make it a point to not only eat healthy and work out regularly, but I also try to keep my stress levels low. Sticking to a routine sleep habit is important as well (In this day and age, I’m sure no one will have complaints on this tip). It’s easy to say that it won’t happen to you (or me) but no one is exempt and that is the education we are hoping to share. Whether you are 18 or 68, routine checkups are so important to healthy living.
Members of the organization are tasked with promoting awareness around the issue in our respective communities. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has forged a relationship with the local American Heart Association and will be supporting its March 31, 2015 – Inaugural Multicultural Executive Breakfast Panel, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA and April 24, 2015 – Seattle, WA – Senior Wellness Fair, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., International District, Chinatown Community Center, 719 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA.
What can you do to get involved? Make a change on National Wear Red Day and all year long! 1. Wear Red to show your support for saving women’s lives; 2. Show us how you Go Red on your social media profiles using #GoRed; 3. Donate to help raise funds for awareness and research.
