Today is National Wear Red Day, focusing attention on heart disease in women. According to the American Heart Association, one in three women die because of heart disease.
Sarah Fedele is the organization's communications and marketing director for the Triad. She says many of these women have symptoms different from what is often shown on television - people grabbing their chests or having pain in their right arms. "Some different signs can include jaw pain, upper body and back pain, pain in the left arm and nausea," she explains.
Fedele says 80% of heart disease cases are preventable, beginning with making healthier food choices: "Choosing baked instead of fried. Choosing salads and vegetables and fruits. There's also new research that show the benefits of kiwi, so you may want to include that in your diet."
Fedele also says exercising several times a week can give women an edge is preventing heart disease, especially in terms of better managing stress.
This afternoon, Forsyth Medical Center will host the Winston-Salem Goes Red Mayor's Luncheon. Community, business and health leaders will don red and discuss innovative ways to reduce the number of women who develop heart disease.
