National Wear Red Day 2024 – History, Quotes, Cards & Activities

National Wear Red Day is observed annually on the first Friday in February. In 2024, it falls on February 2nd. This special day aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

The campaign focuses on educating people about the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke while urging women to take charge of their heart health. Wearing red on this day shows your support for the cause.

History of National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day was started in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), along with other organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA).

It was born out of a desire to bring national attention to cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of women. At the time, many women underestimated their risk, and the disease was under-researched and underfunded compared to other diseases like breast cancer.

The first National Wear Red Day was held on the first Friday in February 2004. It coincided with American Heart Month to help raise awareness.

Importance of Wearing Red

Wearing red on National Wear Red Day is an important symbol. The red dress represents the emphasis on women taking charge of their heart health.

However, the day is not just for women – men can show support by wearing a red tie or shirt. After all, cardiovascular disease affects men too. About one in three male deaths are caused by heart disease.

Wearing red gets conversations started and reminds women to make their health a priority. It also honors those who battle cardiovascular disease or have lost their lives to it.

Quotes for National Wear Red Day

Here are some inspirational quotes for National Wear Red Day:

“Wear red and speak from the heart.” – Unknown

“Turn your heart red and show how much you care.” – Unknown

“The woman in red has nothing to dread when she puts her heart health first instead.” – Unknown

“When you wear red, you’re raising awareness for a cause that must be spread.” – Unknown

“Red is power. Red is strength. Red is knowledge. So wear it with pride to help heart health strides.” – Unknown

“Let your heart be seen. Let your purpose be known. Wear red to help awareness be shown.” – Unknown

“Red runs deep. And on this day, its meaning we will keep. Wear it with honor and pride, for the women who have died.” – Unknown

“By wearing red on this day, a message you relay. You care about your health and spreading heart disease awareness and wealth.” – Unknown

“Show your heart some love. Wear red from head to toe. Speak up for women’s health so more birthdays everyone will know.” – Unknown

“The future is bright when we walk hand in hand. Wear red to show you understand.” – Unknown

National Wear Red Day 2024 Cards

Here are some ideas for National Wear Red Day cards to raise awareness:

• A simple red card with the message “Have a heart. Wear red on 4/2”.
• A card with a red dress shape and the text “Show your heart some love on National Wear Red Day”.
• A card with statistics on heart disease and the tagline “Wear Red. Save Lives.”
• A e-card with an animated beating red heart and message to wear red on 4/2.
• A photo card displaying different red outfits with the line “You’re looking hot in red!”
• A red and pink watercolor heart card saying “Show your support, wear red”.
• A card with red hearts in the shape of a red dress. Inside it can say “Wear red for women’s heart health”.
• A graphic card with the text “Together let’s paint the town red!” to promote community participation.
• A card with red hearts and flowers with the message “Spread awareness from your head to your toes! Wear red”.
• A red-themed card with information on heart health risk factors and symptoms.

How to Make Your Own National Wear Red Day Card

Making your own National Wear Red Day card is easy and meaningful. Follow these steps:

1. Fold a piece of red cardstock paper in half to create a card base.
2. On the front, add heart graphics, stickers, or handdrawings. Or paint a simple red heart.
3. Inside, write an inspirational message or heart health statistic.
4. Decorate the inside with red accents like red glitter, ribbon, or patterned tape.
5. Include meaningful quotes like “Show your heart some love” or “Wear red for women”.
6. Sign your name and spread awareness by giving it to a loved one.

How to Celebrate National Wear Red Day

There are many great ways to celebrate National Wear Red Day and promote heart health in your community:

Wear Red

• Put on your best red outfit – dress, suit, shirt, pants, or even just red socks or earrings. Be creative!
• Accessorize with red: think scarf, shoes, hat, bag, jewelry, lipstick.
• Dress kids and pets in red too.
• Take selfies and group photos in red outfits and post on social media.

Educate Yourself and Others

• Learn about cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs. Know CPR.
• Attend an educational event on heart health in your community. Many happen around National Wear Red Day.
• Share heart health information on social media and with loved ones. Hand out red bracelets or ribbons.
• Give red cards with heart disease facts to friends. Tell them about National Wear Red Day.

Fundraising

• Organize a workplace red dress fundraiser. Employees donate and wear red on National Wear Red Day.
• Host a red-themed fundraising event like a red dress gala with proceeds benefiting heart health charities.
• Set up a National Wear Red Day e-fundraiser through platforms like Facebook or GoFundMe.

Community Engagement

• Encourage local businesses to have employees wear red and decorate windows with red hearts.
• Ask your city to light up prominent buildings in red lights.
• Partner with organizations like hospitals or clinics to hold educational events.
• Volunteer at a heart health 5k run/walk event.
• Hand out red ribbons and info pamphlets at community venues.

Family Activities

• Cook a heart-healthy red food meal together like pizza or lasagna.
• Exercise as a family by taking a red-themed walk or hike.
• Make red crafts like heart art, cards, or baked goods.
• Watch an age-appropriate educational video on heart health and heart heroes.
• Read books on cardiovascular health like “My Heart by Corinne Demas”.

Conclusion

National Wear Red Day on February 2nd provides a vital opportunity to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease – the number one killer of both men and women. By wearing red, we can honor those affected and educate entire communities about heart health.

It’s a chance to dispel the myth that heart disease just affects older men. Women and young people are at risk too. National Wear Red Day gets people talking about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention across all demographics.

Raising funds, supporting educational initiatives, and coming together on this day makes a huge impact. Little things like wearing red, sharing posts, or giving cards builds momentum year after year. The more people know, the more lives can be saved.

So wear red with pride on February 2nd. Your heart and style will thank you. Through awareness, we can strive for a future where cardiovascular disease no longer claims so many lives. Our actions today help build a tomorrow where we all live longer, fuller, healthier lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Wear Red Day

1. Who started National Wear Red Day?

National Wear Red Day was started in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute along with organizations like the American Heart Association.

2. How did National Wear Red Day get its name?

It’s called National Wear Red Day because wearing red is the iconic action people take to raise awareness about heart disease on the first Friday in February.

3. Why wear red for heart health?

The color red represents power and strength. Wearing it symbolizes the fight against cardiovascular disease and honor for those affected. It also starts conversations.

4. When is National Wear Red Day in 2024?

In 2024, National Wear Red Day takes place on Friday, February 2nd.

5. Who can participate in National Wear Red Day?

Anyone can participate! Although it focuses on women’s heart health, the day is for everyone to wear red, educate themselves, donate, and spread awareness.