Nearly 120 people from the campus community — including 20 preschoolers from the MTSU Child Care Lab — were decked out in red attire Feb. 6 in the Science Building.

All of them appeared as part of the universitywide call for support for the observance of the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day

To raise awareness about women’s heart health, MTSU Health Services and Health Promotion invited people to wear anything red and come for a heart-shaped photo in the Liz and Creighton Rhea Atrium.

Including 20 youngsters from the MTSU Child Care Lab, more than 100 people from the campus community turned out for National Wear Red Day Friday, Feb. 6, in the Liz and Creighton Rhea Atrium in the Science Building. The American Heart Association-related event promotes awareness for women’s heart health. (MTSU photo by News and Media Relations)

“I think peoples’ hearts were touched by heart disease in their families, with either their mothers, grandmothers or sisters having had procedures, or maybe they lost someone to heart disease,” said Rick Chapman, director of Health Services, “so they were wearing red to support this and to encourage other women to go get checked out.”

Chapman said he was thankful for the appearance by the children. He also thanked College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Bud Fischer for opening the atrium and MTSU Event Coordination staffers for helping organize the event.

“The Science Building is a great spot for this,” Chapman said.

Health Promotion Director Lisa Schrader said heart disease isn’t just a concern for men.

“Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women, yet these problems can be preventable,” she said. “In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.”

For anyone unable to attend the event, Schrader said they can still GO RED:

• Get your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
• Own your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.
• Raise your voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
• Educate your family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your children the importance of staying active.
• Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

To learn more about the national movement, visit www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)