Gov. Sebelius urges employees to wear red Feb. 6

February 04, 2009 9:35AM

Following is a letter from Governor Kathleen Sebelius to state of Kansas employees, asking them to recognize Friday, Feb. 6 as National Wear Red Day.

 

February 2, 2009

 

Colleagues, 

Friday, February 6, 2009 is National Wear Red Day and I invite you to join me once again in wearing red to show our support for the fight against heart disease in women.  In addition, I’m encouraging those who work at the Capitol to take part in Wear Red Day at the Capitol on Thursday, February 5.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Kansas, the United States and the world. In 2007, one out of every three women’s deaths in Kansas was attributed to cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Heart disease alone accounted for more than two-thirds of those cardiovascular disease deaths – nearly twice as many as cancer.

Fortunately, there is something we can do. Heart disease is largely preventable – and raising awareness is the first step. Preventive health can reduce the number of Kansans who are at risk for heart disease. Two out of three women who die from coronary heart disease had no previous evidence of the disease, which is why I urge you to know and control your risk factors:   

  • Obesity
  • Tobacco Use
  • High blood pressure                             
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Diabetes
  • Unhealthy diet

You and your health care provider should develop an effective heart disease prevention plan.  Additional information about heart disease and National Wear Red Day can be found at the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org or the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth/. 

While this observance is a call for women, I am also asking male employees to show support for the women in their lives by going Red in your own way. Join us by wearing your favorite red outfit, red tie, red socks, or a red dress pin. 

Thank you for participating in National Wear Red Day on February 6th or Wear Red Day at the Capitol on February 5th. Together, by increasing awareness, we can save lives. 

Sincerely,

 

Kathleen Sebelius

Governor

©2009 Pittsburg State University