Individuals, businesses and even buildings are "going red" across Tampa Bay and speaking up to raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. February is American Heart Month and Feb. 3 is National Wear Red Day, a component of Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association's national campaign to make women aware of their risk of heart disease and learn how to make heart-healthy choices every day. To stimulate heart disease awareness and help women take life-saving actions, Go Red For Women is organizing exciting 2012 activities. It's easier than ever for women to make the choice to Go Red and speak up to save lives.

This February, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement invites you to be a part of our Tampa Bay Go Red Gallery. We are asking citizens across Tampa Bay to "Go Red" during American Heart Month and post a photo on Facebook.com/AHATampaBay from Feb. 1 to Feb. 29. We are hoping to gather at least 250 photos.


Going Red means spreading the message that heart disease is the No.1 killer of women. By wearing red you are championing your own health and those you love. Here are some ideas and photo opportunities on how to Go Red for the gallery:

• Ask your colleagues to participate in Wear Red Day, Feb. 3, by wearing red and taking a group photo.
• Cook a heart-healthy family meal and take a photo of the spread.
• Make a card to share with five friends explaining you care about them and want them to join you in the fight against heart disease. Then send us a photo of your card.
• Dress up your dog in red and take them on a walk or to a local event. When people stop to comment on your adorable canine, share the message and take a photo of your pup.
• Be creative. We can't wait to see your additions to the gallery.

• We will create a large mosaic from all the photos. Taking hundreds of photos to create one large image and make a statement against heart disease.
• We will use the gallery at Go Red For Women events including our Go Red For Women Luncheon in May.
• We will create a short video highlighting how Tampa Bay Goes Red.