The Kane County Health Department is supporting the American Heart Association’s effort to focus attention on women’s heart health.

Too few people realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women (and men), but the good news is heart disease largely can be prevented. Spreading the Go Red For Women message Love Your Heart raises awareness of heart disease and empowers women to reduce their risk.

Here are some ways you can get involved in Go Red For Women this year.

1. Encourage friends, family, co-workers, etc. to join the Go Red For Women Movement. Visit www.goredforwomen.org/ to join and request Go Red For Women Registration post cards and pins if you have an event targeting women, to encourage them to join the movement

2. Know your numbers – take the Go Red For Women Heart Check. Have your numbers handy (blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose, height, weight and waist circumference) and click here.  Share the Heart Check up tool with your colleagues. Engage healthcare providers to offer the Heart Check up to their patients. Engage community health centers and health clinics to provide the heart Check up with their screenings.

Support the community and the American Heart Association and its mission to eradicate the No. 1 killer of women.