On Friday, Feb. 1, residents in the 21st Senate District and throughout the state of Michigan will celebrate Go Red for Women.

National Wear Red Day is promoted by the American Heart Association to help raise awareness of women’s heart health. Participants, including myself and all of my female colleagues in the Senate, are wearing red to bring attention to cardiovascular disease with a goal of helping save women’s lives.

Some women may not be aware that heart disease strikes women more often than men. In fact, heart disease claims the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined. Yet, despite everything that we know about heart health, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health risk.

Even so, 80 percent of so-called cardiac events can be prevented through education and the discipline to make and keep lifestyle changes.

Simple things like eating better, being physically active and having regular health checks are all important ways to be heart healthy.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke are also vital.

If you are a woman or care about the women in your lives, please take advantage of this opportunity to educate yourself and others about women’s heart health.

It might just help save a life.

For more information, visit goredforwomen.org.

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at 517-373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov.