This annual observance is held in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s national campaign to raise awareness of heart disease in women and encourage them to take charge of their health.

Halifax Regional will be offering tips and information on heart disease, healthy recipe taste testings, giveaways and more Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The hospital’s food service department will also feature special heart healthy meal selections for purchase. Halifax Regional staff members and all those attending are encouraged to wear red to raise awareness that day.

Cardiovascular disease in the U.S. kills approximately one woman every 80 seconds.

The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

Go Red For Women advocates for more research and action regarding women’s heart health.

“Many disease processes are related to each other,” said Dr. Haile Jones, medical director of Cardiopulmonary Services. “Diabetes, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and sleep apnea are directly related. Due to this interconnectedness, cardiovascular disease can be the cause or result of several chronic diseases. That’s why it’s so important to know your family history, know the red flags of heart disease and stroke and schedule regular screenings.”

Halifax Regional stresses to schedule your annual Well-Woman visit with your doctor to learn your personal health numbers including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index and assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.

For more information on the comprehensive cardiology services available at Halifax Regional, call 252-537-9268.

You may also visit www.halifaxregional.org for more information.