The College of New Jersey has declared a “red alert” for Friday, February 4 to help the American Heart Association direct attention to heart disease, the number one killer of New Jersey and American women.
Most noticeably, Paul Loser Hall will be illuminated with red lighting that day as a reminder of the disease’s deadly impact. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, claim the lives of nearly 422,000 women annually, more than from the next four causes of death combined.
Faculty, staff and students are also encouraged to wear something red on Friday – the eighth annual National Wear Red Day for Women – to raise awareness of these diseases and to encourage women to take steps to reduce their risk.
“Heart disease and heart attacks have traditionally been associated with men, and women’s heart health was largely under-emphasized until now,” said Patrice Coleman-Boatwright, the former associate vice president for public affairs. “According to the American Heart Association, only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their number one killer and less than half know what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.”
“As a survivor of heart disease, I have learned that above all, knowledge is the best weapon! If I hadn’t known about my risk factors, I truly would not be alive today,” she added. “So, this Friday at TCNJ, wear red for someone you love.”
Electrical crew supervisor Alex Novak will install ten red filters at the two main entrances of Paul Loser Hall and replace approximately sixteen bulbs with red bulbs in the wall sconces and chandelier within the vestibule of the building, said Kathryn Leverton, associate vice president for facilities and administrative services. The building will remain aglow from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3 until 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 5.
National Wear Red Day for Women is an official activity of the American Heart Association Go Red For Women® movement, a national movement to make women aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke and take action to reduce that risk.
For more information on the campaign, call the New Jersey office of the American Heart Association at (609) 208-0020 or visit www.goredforwomen.org and www.heart.org.