GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — February is American Heart Month, raising awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women.
The City of Grand Rapids formally proclaimed February 2 as "National Wear Red Day," and has been supporting events and organizations supporting heart health all month.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss told 13 ON YOUR SIDE why the emphasis on heart health is so important.
"I think myself and others, we've all been impacted by someone who has had heart disease or have died because of a heart attack," said Bliss.
She said she was shocked when a friend recently called to tell her she was in the hospital for a heart attack.
"She's literally three years younger than me, and healthy, never knew that she had a history of heart conditions in her family," said Bliss.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of women above the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Bliss said many people have similar stories to hers, learning a loved one is impacted by heart disease. She says it is vital to learn how to prevent it and respond to cardiac arrest for someone else.
"I feel like that's our role as well as a city," said Bliss, "to help provide education, also about the importance of knowing CPR, and knowing how to respond quickly if somebody is having a cardiac arrest."
She also encouraged everyone to learn CPR and how to use an AED.
"There's lots of opportunities in our city to be certified in CPR, to learn how to use an AED," said Bliss. "Find out where they are in your building. If there isn't one in the building that you work, you should be advocating for one being added."
While it is great to highlight heart health in February, Bliss said, education and support should come year long.
"My hope is that people become more aware of the scale and the scope of people impacted by heart disease, especially women," said Bliss. "My hope is that people spend some time learning what they can do to prevent heart disease or a heart attack in their own life, how do they connect with all of these great organizations in our community that are supporting people to be healthier."
You can find a CPR training near you by visiting this website.
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